S. Matthew 4:1-10
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”
O. The Devil tempted Jesus three times. In a desert. At the highest point of the temple. On a high mountain. Jesus’ reply to each of the temptations was to quote the word of God. Jesus spoke the truth against the lies of the enemy.
We may be tempted too - sometimes in the desert wandering and when we feel a spiritual dryness in our life. Sometimes when we are having spiritual “highs” (temple) or sometimes when we feel on top of the world and have things rolling (mountain top). We are not exempt. Be ready to have the Word of God in our minds and hearts.
A. I will continue to daily read, journal and memorize God’s word, so that it is in my heart and mind. When the tempter comes, I will quote God’s word with authority.
P. Father, thank you for your word today. Forgive me when I fail. Grant me strength and wisdom to declare your word with authority in times of temptation. In Jesus’ name.
