Luke 4:1-13 (NRSV)
Read Luke 4:1-13 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, Verse 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. Verse 3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Verse 4Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Verse 5Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. Verse 6And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. Verse 7If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Verse 8Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Verse 9Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, Verse 10for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' Verse 11and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Verse 12Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Verse 13When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Devotion
If you are the Son of God... The tempter tries to thwart Jesus' mission by calling into question his very identity. While Jesus remains clear in his mission and identity as the Son of God, how often does a voice of uncertainty threaten or inhibit our mission as children of God? How often do we forget our identity, drawn by the powers of this world which seek to give us false glory and power? How easy it is to seek the admiration and accolades of the kingdoms of this world while ignoring our core identity as a child of God which was showered upon us in our baptism. How eagerly we look to the world to provide for our daily bread rather than trusting that our God will be faithful as God has promised to be. While the cares of this world can be overpowering, we can trust that God's claim on us in baptism is sure and true, and because of that promise we can remain faithful.
Prayer
Holy God, you have claimed us as your own. May we rest secure in our identity as children of God. Amen.