Luke 4.1-13
Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.”
Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”
The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.”
Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.
Jesus turns to scripture when he is tempted in the desert. Where do you turn when you are tempted? What spiritual resources do you have to sustain you during “desert” experiences? In the chat, share your resources and reflections. May your resources and wisdom encourage others experiencing a spiritual desert.
The Lord’s Prayer is a great spiritual resource. Jesus offered this simple prayer to give us words when we struggle to find our own. On Fridays during Lent we will be practicing praying the Lord’s Prayer. Today, we want to focus on the words, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil.” As you say this familiar prayer, pause at these words to consider that which tempts you to abandon the ways of Jesus and the evils that threaten to destroy. Place your trust in our Lord and conclude “For yours in the Kingdom, Power and Glory. Forever and ever.”
Our Father,
who is in heaven.
Holy is your name.
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us of our sins,
As we forgive those who have sinned against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from all evil.
(Pause)
For Yours is the Kingdom, Power and Glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
