How Jesus made decisions

Have you ever wondered how Jesus made decisions?

 

Let me give you a few thoughts on that.

 

In Matthew 4, Matthew describes how Jesus was tempted by the devil (an actual temptation from the devil himself).

 

It's interesting that the first temptation Satan threw at Jesus dealt with food.  If you remember - that's the temptation Adam and Eve experienced (the whole apple thing).  Satan probably thought:  It worked the first time - why not try it again?  Satan said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."  Matthew 4:3

 

How did Jesus respond?  "It is written:  "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes form the mouth of God."  Matthew 4:4

 

How did Jesus make a good decision?  He lived by the Word of God.

 

Every decision we make must first of all be bounced off of the Scriptures.  What does God's Word have to say about it?

 

Then Satan tempted Jesus to jump off the roof of the temple.  That was a temptation to test God.  Would God save Him or not?

 

How did Jesus respond?  "It is also written:  "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."  Matthew 4:7

 

The principle of right decision making here is to never put God in a position in which He "has" to save you from your own foolish decisions.

 

There is a huge difference between faith and presumption.

 

Don't place yourself in a position that requires a miracle - unless you know that you know that - that is where God wants you to be!

 

I can't throw myself off a roof and expect God to save me - the laws of gravity come into play.

 

Lastly, Satan tempted Jesus with whom to worship.  Was he going to worship God or was he going to worship Satan. 

 

Whom are you serving this day?  Money?  Position?  Power?  I always say that in anything in life - job transfer, etc.....the first point in making a decision is this:  Is God in this?  Will God be glorified?  Will it help me serve God in a better and more fulfilling way?

 

Again, Jesus did not disappoint.  He said this:  "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."  Matthew 4:10

 

When  you are making a decision, always worship God and serve Him only - and everything else will fall into place.

 

So, in summary:

 

Make decisions according to the Word of God

Avoid foolish decisions that test God

Avoid decisions that reduce your worship and service to God. 

 

Just a thought for a Monday.