Deuteronomy 26:(1-4)5-11
Romans 10:(5-8a)8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
Luke 4:1-13
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where 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. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” 5Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And 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. 7If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 9Then 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, 10for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ 11and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 12Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This is the first Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading today tells of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness after his baptism. This picture by Ary Scheffer shows a traditional representation of that temptation with Christ pointing to God in repudiation of Satan's offer(s).
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where 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. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” 5Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And 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. 7If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 9Then 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, 10for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ 11and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 12Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This is the first Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading today tells of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness after his baptism. This picture by Ary Scheffer shows a traditional representation of that temptation with Christ pointing to God in repudiation of Satan's offer(s).
Many of us fast in some form during Lent—at least giving up something like chocolate or dessert. Nearly every religion now in the world (and most ancient ones) encourages fasting for certain periods of time as a discipline. While it is understood that the act of fasting doesn’t gain any special “brownie points” (if you’ll pardon the expression) with God, it is a means of emptying yourself in order to be more open to hearing God’s voiceI have to smile at the seemingly unnecessary comment “when [the 40 days of fasting] were over, he was famished”. However, it is an important reminder that Satan temptations are aimed at our weaknesses. Jesus responds that “One does not live by bread alone.” In the Temptation narrative from Matthew (4:1-11), Jesus adds “…but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Although Satan tries to trick Jesus with food, power, and signs, Jesus responds with scripture each time. Isn’t this the response we should strive for? To be so attuned to God that our response to temptation is to turn immediately to the Word of God?
Reading the Bible regularly is one way to get back into relationship with God. Even just a few minutes dedicated to taking time to ‘read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest’ the scriptures can be a benefit. A prayer by Thomas Aquinas captures the heart we will have when grounded in God’s love and word.
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy though can drag down, an unconquered heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us understanding to know Thee, diligence to seek Thee, wisdom to find Thee and a faithfulness that may finally embrace Thee. Amen.
Perhaps the next time Satan shows up with what seems to be an ‘innocent’ temptation—like making bread because you are hungry, you can turn it aside with the voice of God by quoting scripture.
For your journal: Read through the lesson today a couple of times (you may want to find a second translation to read it in as well. I’ve been using the NRSV version). Satan tempted Jesus to satisfy his physical needs, to gain worldly power, and to become famous.
Are there ways you are tempted to think you can take care of your needs, become important, rich, famous, etc. without God?
