Scripture
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
Reflection
These couple of verses provides a great insight into the deceptive nature of the devil. Note in verse 3 how the devil takes a truth and changes it just slightly to cause doubt. The devil was addressing and questioning Jesus’ identity by asking ‘if you are the son of God….’ We see the same tactic in the garden of Eden where the serpent took the truth and changed it slightly to cause doubt by asking ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Gen. 3:1). The only difference was, Jesus knew the truth. He knew who he was and he knew the Scripture to combat the devil’s question (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- When the devil accuses you or sow doubt in your mind, how do you respond?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Grab a piece of paper, and write down the different parts of your life where you want to rely on God more. Perhaps your work, time, money or relationships. Then pray through each one and invite God to be present.
