Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version)
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
5Then 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.'"
7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
8Again, 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."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Reflection:
The temptations Jesus faced are probably not ones that we will some day see, such as being offered a kingdom. However, the temptations we face can be just as tempting and have fatal consequences. Jesus provided us with a model of how to deal with temptation in this passage from Matthew. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. How often do we feel this same way? It may not be an actual wilderness but it is still hard for us to see or find a way out. Often the things that we are called to do in the name of the Lord put us in a position that we feel isolated and alone, wondering why we listened. It seems that in today's world the temptations to go against the word of God for earthly gains are greater and more deceptive. In fact there are times that we can convince our self that, even though we know what we are doing is wrong, it is still okay on some level. The devil may not show-up in a physical sense but the hardships felt may seem unbearable. Unbearable that is apart from the grace of God who sustains and strengthens us. What is the wilderness like for you? Who is your compass? And are you keeping your eye on the word of God?