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1 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2 There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. 3 The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 

4 Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.” 

5 Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.” 

8 Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” 

9 The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you 11 and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.” 

12 Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” 13 After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.   -- Luke 4:1-13 Common English Bible

 

When we think about Jesus, it's easy to see him as God and forget that He was also a real person. He felt hunger, pain, and the pressure of temptation, just like we do. Luke 4 shows us a powerful example of this when Jesus went into the desert. 

For 40 days, Jesus was weak and hungry, a very real human being with real needs. This is when the devil attacked. He tried to get Jesus to give up on God and do things His own way. He tempted Jesus to use His power selfishly to get food, to take over the world's kingdoms, and to test God's protection. But Jesus met each attack with a simple and powerful response: "It is written," which means, "It is in the Bible." He used God's promises and truth to fight off every temptation. 

This story is a comfort to us because it shows that Jesus understands our struggles. He walked a path filled with challenges, but He never gave in to sin. Because He was completely human and completely God, Jesus was able to live a perfect, sinless life. This is why He was the only one who could be the perfect sacrifice for our mistakes and sins. He stands between us and God, offering His life for ours, so we can be made right again. 

The good news is that we don't have to face our battles alone. We have a Savior who has already won the war for us. When you feel tempted or make a mistake, remember that Jesus has walked this path and won. His perfect life and sacrificial death bring us a deep sense of comfort and freedom. 

Reflection: What does it mean to you to have a Savior who understands your temptations but never gave in? Where do you feel the pull of temptation most in your life right now? 

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus, a Savior who knows what it feels like to be human and who understands our weaknesses. I appreciate that Jesus faced the same temptations I do and never gave in. Lord, I need your help to overcome my temptations of...