September 8, 2015
Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:5-11
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.
Questions for Reflection:
Yesterday we looked at the first temptation. What was the second temptation that Jesus faced? How did he respond? What was the thrid temptation? How did he respond to that one? Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Texas, says that last temptation was about safety and comfort.
Let me point out something that’s pretty profound about all these temptations. The devil is working hard here to make sure Jesus doesn’t suffer. Have you picked up on that? He said, “Oh, You’re hungry? God wouldn’t want You hungry. Eat some bread. What? There are men that who are trying to kill You; men who are rejecting You? Let me give You all the power on earth for You to rule them. What? You’re going to the cross? You’re going to be beaten and scourged and drowned in Your own blood? No, no, no. Doesn’t the Scripture say that not even Your feet would be hurt?” It’s pretty interesting here that every attack from what’s evil is not built around this absolute wickedness but more comfort. Specifically this last one where he’s going, “Hey, You’re the Son of God. Your feet shouldn’t even bleed.”
Why is safety and comfort so tempting to give into? In what ways are you being tempted to play it safe, to stay in your comfort zone, when God might be calling you to something else? How can you respond to that temptation like Christ did?