Reflections from the February 14 Gospel
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus faced temptation, like we all do. His forty-day fast in the desert wasn’t full of supernatural consolation and delight. He was subject to “every temptation” and when the forty days were over, “he was hungry.” In other words, he was human. Jesus’ divine nature didn’t cancel out his human nature. He faced struggles just like we do.
As we see in today’s Gospel, the strategy Jesus used to fight these physical and spiritual battles was to immerse himself in God’s word. And these sacred words had a dramatic effect. Every time Satan tried to seduce him with a new promise, Jesus responded with a Bible verse. And each time, Satan was silenced and had to try a new angle. Jesus won the victory using the weapon of God’s word. As we enter into the season of Lent, we can be armed in the same way. Let’s be equipped to proclaim—and to live—the words Jesus himself used: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
Questions of the Week
Luke 4:1-13:
In what ways do you think the devil
tempts you?
Deuteronomy 26:4-10:
How does knowledge of the history of ancient Judaism help you during the season of Lent?
Romans 10:8-13:
Paul uses Scripture to make his point of how Jesus saves us. How will you use Scripture for the season of Lent this year?