Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit
into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. When he had fasted forty days
and nights, he was hungry. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the
Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on
the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’
and,
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not
test the Lord, your God.’”
The devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. He said to him, “I
will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is
written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him until an opportune time, and angels
came to his aid.
Reflections
As is true throughout the gospels, the
devil is present in this story, but not in charge. Jesus is led by the Spirit
to a testing that will demonstrate his faithfulness to God. The situation is
much like that of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; the big difference is
that in this case Jesus prevailed and the devil struck out. The temptations
here aren’t unique to Jesus: use your resources for yourself; compromise to
gain power and privilege; make God prove his love. What have been some of your
own persistent temptations? Do you find it difficult to remain faithful?
Prayer:
When I am tempted to follow the easy path, Lord, give me the courage and wisdom
to be faithful to you.
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