Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where 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. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And 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. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then 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, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13
Temptation is essential to the Biblical narrative. Temptation is part of us. Adam and Eve are tempted in the garden and give in. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is tempted in the wilderness and does not. We are tempted by wealth and fame, as well as being tempted to be approved by society. We can put our clothing choices, our weight and looks over the needs of our communities. Jesus knew where giving in to temptation would lead him. Adam and Eve and all of us do not. Let us all pray we have strength to face whatever temptations happens today and we choose what is of love and the spirit.
Eternal Creator, you have given us choice and freewill
we can all live our lives however we want and choose
and you love us despite our choices, both good and bad.
We desperately desire to be accepted and resepcted
although often those things can prove dangerous
as we lose ourselves to gain the world's attention.
Let us, Lord, be filled with your holy and loving spirit
so our choices might lead to health and spiritual growth
so we can serve the needs of those without any choices. Amen.
