Today’s Picture: The Wilderness of Judea by Jules Guérin
Jesus and the Father: Led by the Spirit
Yesterday we saw how Jesus was confirmed as the ‘Son of God’ at his baptism,
now the tempter tries to have him doubt his very identity—”If you are the Son of God”.
Notice it was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted.
Here we see human temptations: seeking our own comfort,
seeking power over others, wanting to be the focus of attention.
Has this something to say to modern culture?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To appreciate my own temptations and how best to resist them.
Setting: Read the passage below let the words and phrases speak.
Matthew 4:1-11 HCSB
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The tempter came to him and said,
“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand
on the highest point of the temple.
“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.’”
Jesus answered him,
“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour.
“All this I will give you,”
he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!
For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Conversation: You may want to talk to Jesus about your own temptations.
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Today’s Music: Marilla Ness “Come Back to me”.
Click for more music from the Marilla Ness.