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Matthew 4:1-11 (Common English Bible)
Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. 2 After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.”
5 After that the devil brought him into the holy city and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, 6 “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, I will command my angels concerning you, and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.”
7 Jesus replied, “Again it’s written, Don’t test the Lord your God.”
8 Then the devil brought him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said, “I’ll give you all these if you bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written,You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” 11 The devil left him, and angels came and took care of him.
Summary:
Lent is a season where Christians commit to a season of fasting and prayer. When we fast, we lose comfort and convenience, but we find greater faith and grow closer to God.
When Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness, the devil wants Jesus to focus on everything he has lost by following God. Jesus redirects every temptation by pointing to power he finds in faith. When we fast, we too can focus on what we are losing, but, like Jesus, God reveals new discoveries. Keep the faith! Keep your eyes on the prize!
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about temptation?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?