READ SCRIPTURE (Read Luke 4:1-13)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,’
and
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
REFLECT ON THE READING
Forty days is a long time to be in the wilderness – especially when the wilderness is a desert. The terrain of Israel resembles the deserts of the Southwest with minimal of trees to provide a respite from the scorching heat. It is the Holy Spirit which drives Jesus to the wilderness to endure a time of temptations by the devil. In the heat of Israel, the drops of water from his recent baptism are long evaporated, but the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is still present.
Jesus eats nothing for forty days, and the very human form of Jesus is famished. At this point, the devil comes and tempts Jesus during this time of weakness. Each of the three temptations is followed by Jesus resisting the devil with a quote from Scripture.
The temptations involve power, priorities, and prestige. First, Jesus is tempted to serve himself, turning a stone into bread. Next, Jesus is tempted to claim power. This one has some irony because the devil claims ultimate authority of the kingdoms On the third temptation, the devil teases Jesus into calling upon the angels to rescue him in mid-air.
It is impressive how clear Jesus is with his priorities and responses. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is able to resist the devil and his promises. It is the Spirit which keeps Jesus at one with God.
Which temptation seems the most tempting for Jesus?
How about for you?
What tempts you from worshipping God alone?
PRAY
Gracious God, send your Holy Spirit to be our guide during this Lenten season, Sustain with your grace as you draw us closer to Christ. Help us to serve only you. Amen.
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