A Better Adam
Read: Matthew 4:1-11
Paul refers to Jesus as the “second Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Just as Adam represented humanity and plunged us all into death, Jesus came to represent humanity and make a way for us all to live again. Jesus is the “new Adam,” who prevailed against the temptation of the serpent, and chartered a new life for humanity in Himself.
In the wilderness, Jesus faced the temptations of Satan. Just like with Adam, the core of the temptations came down to whether Jesus would live as a vice-regent of God. Would He live under God’s rule and extend the reign of God wherever He went, or would He hijack His own life like Adam did, and live apart from the rule of His Father. Jesus prevailed where Adam failed. Jesus, the perfect image of God, chose to live under the reign of God, bringing His own life and kingdom under His Father’s perfect rule.
We see the same resolute submission just before Jesus went to the cross, as He prayed with tears in Gethsemane. There Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus submitted His own little kingdom in life to the Father’s perfect will. Instead of hijacking His life for Himself, He was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. And in going to the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and Satan, and three days later rose victorious as King of kings and Lord of lords. Now He is exalted at the Father’s right hand and will one day return as the King of all the earth. You see, Jesus is the perfect image bearer who will bring the rule of God to every square inch of creation.
What Adam fouled up in rebellion, and what we’ve been complicit in by our own sin, Jesus is setting to rights. He’s the new and greater Adam. He’s the firstborn of a new creation. He is seated at His Father’s right hand where He shall rule and reign until His enemies are made His footstool. Then He shall return and the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!
Your Journey Reflection Questions:
How is the second Adam better than the first?
How does Jesus fulfill the creation mandate of being an image bearer?
How does King Jesus win our hearts allegiance?
In light of what you’ve learned today, what is your next step?