Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.
The Devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: “Since you’re God’s Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread.”
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to really live.”
For the second test he led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once.
Then the Devil said, “They’re yours in all their splendor to serve your pleasure. I’m in charge of them all and can turn them over to whomever I wish. Worship me and they’re yours, the whole works.”
Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”
For the third test the Devil took him to Jerusalem and put him on top of the Temple. He said, “If you are God’s Son, jump. It’s written, isn’t it, that ‘he has placed you in the care of angels to protect you; they will catch you; you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone’?”
“Yes,” said Jesus, “and it’s also written, ‘Don’t you dare tempt the Lord your God.’”
That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.
Luke 4: 1-13 (The Message)
The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.
Lord, enfold my heart with Your sacred Word.
Just as Jesus resisted temptation by knowing intimately Your wisdom as recorded in the scriptures, help me remember those verses on my desert journey too.
Sometimes, Lord, Your written guidance escapes my human brain and trickles out of holes in my heart.
I need Your word, Lord.
The devil has retreated only temporarily. He lurks behind every shiny opportunity and all ego-enhancing choices. He blocks my daily path with crushing boulders of fear. He shatters hope and scatters dreams.
Help me keep my eyes only on You, Lord.
Mend my heart with Your word and clear my path straight to You. Help me remember that You are the victor and have already beaten the devil. He cannot win.
Conquering God, protect me. Lead me. Nourish me.
I put my trust in You.
Thank you Lynn. coming before God’s throne and bowing before Him often leaves me wordless. Don’t we have a wonderful God?
Amen and amen! Yes, yes, I need His Word! What a special prayer! Bless you!
Hi Courtney and thanks for commenting. That devil certainly likes to lurk around us. Have you seen the new version of the bible, the Voice? I have heard about it but haven’t researched it yet. May be a new way of seeing the lessons in these verses for us.
WE both love the lectionary readings don’t we? and it does add impact when we both ponder the same phrase. Even my pastor reflected on this. Thanks Colleen
Thank you Nancy. that devil certainly likes to hang around challenging us. Males me want to get out CD Lewis book the Screwtape Letters to read again.
I am glad we have connected Janis!
Once again, I enjoyed reading this familiar passage in a new way from The Message. The lines you chose to repeat – the Devil retreated temporarily – are the ones that struck me, too. I must remember that he is a real force, lying in wait. Thank you for this reminder of how scripture is always the answer.
We reflected on the same reading again!
You write – I put my trust in you, Lord.
I write – I serve only You Lord.
Awesome!
The imagery you created of the devil’s activities is striking. As I read, my heart responded, “Yes! That’s exactly how it is!” Your prayer is also my prayer, Jean. Thank you for expressing the dilemma and the desire with accuracy and passion. I’m going to print this out and keep it with my devotional materials. I’ll pray these words for the both of us!
Putting our trust in Him. Amen. Thank for linking to Sunday Stillness. Blessings, Janis