God’s Word of Love
Introduction
Luke 4:1-15: Following his baptism, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where he is tempted by the Devil for forty days. He then returns to Galilee and teaches in the synagogues. This marks the beginning of his public ministry.
Scripture Reading
The Temptation of Jesus
(Matthew 4.1-11; Mark 1.12,13)
1Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, 2where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over.
3The Devil said to him, “If you are God’s Son, order this stone to turn into bread.”
4 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone.’”
5Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world. 6“I will give you all this power and all this wealth,” the Devil told him. “It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose. 7All this will be yours, then, if you worship me.”
8 Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’”
9Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem and set him on the highest point of the Temple, and said to him, “If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here. 10 For the scripture says, ‘God will order his angels to take good care of you.’ 11It also says, ‘They will hold you up with their hands so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’”
12 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
13When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while.
Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee
(Matthew 4.12-17; Mark 1.14,15)
14Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory. 15He taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone.
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 4:8
Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ “
Reflect
Three times the Devil tempts Jesus. In what ways does the Devil test him? How does Jesus respond? Where or to whom do you turn for help when facing temptation or times of testing?
Pray
Lord God, I seek to worship you alone and serve only you. Strengthen my faith, help me to resist temptation, and sustain me daily with your precious Word. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 4:16-30: Jesus is rejected in Nazareth.