To read: Luke 4:1-13
New Revised Standard Version Bible,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.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
It's
that last line that always gets me: "When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time." An opportune time. Experience tells us that the devil isn't real picky about what that time might be. He doesn't require much of an opening, so if that was the case for Jesus, who was pretty good at sending the devil packing, how much more so for us, we who are much more willing to be drawn in.
Lent traditionally has been a time of fasting, of "giving up" something. That can be beneficial, but I think that, for many, Lent can also be a time for adding something. It can be a time to add or be more attentive to a spiritual discipline such as prayer or Bible reading. Note that it was with words of Scripture that Jesus rebuffed the efforts of the devil. But note too that the devil also quoted Scripture. He knows it, and he's clever.
As you read the Bible and study and pray, you find that the good news of love and forgiveness that Jesus makes known are better than anything the devil has to offer. He'll still tempt you with things that sound like they're not so bad. He'll still look for those opportune times. But ultimately, while he can get close to you, he can't touch you because, in faith, Jesus is with you.
The more you immerse yourself in the word of God, the more real that presence of Jesus becomes. The devil really doesn't want to have to deal with Jesus; he knows how that story ends.
To pray:
Dear Lord, be with us as temptations are placed before us. Help us to resist these temptations by immersing ourselves in the study of your Word and in the good news of your love. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Council member
Bethany Lutheran Church, Ishpeming, Mich.