Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 4:1-11
English Standard Version (ESV)

  The key to this passage is at the end of verse 2 -- Jesus was hungry.
  The devil is a pretty crafty character.  He tends to wait until the most opportune times.  When we are strong and able to resist, we might not hear from him, but when we are weak, when we are tired, when we are lonely and frustrated and upset, that's when the temptation tends to turn up.  Our willpower is lowered, our defenses are down, and we are more likely to give in to temptation. 
  If we rely upon ourselves in times like this, we'll likely find ourselves giving in to temptation.  But if you have a community of people, I'm willing to bet that someone else will have some strength that you can borrow to help you get through the tough times.
  Think of it this way -- imagine that you're traveling along a dark path at night with a fading flashlight, heading somewhere very important.  The temptation would be to give up and return back to safety, but then a friend comes along with a flashlight of their own, and they help lead you where you need to be.  In the future, you'll likely have the chance to return the favor, offering someone else your strength when they are in need.
  This is how we work as a community, relying upon one another, always looking to Scripture to lead us forward.  We help one another when we are weak.  That's how the Holy Spirit works in and through us to bind us together and lead us through moments of temptation.