THE THREE TEMPTATIONS (LK 4:1-13)
Prayer:
O Jesus, help me to remain faithful to you in all my temptations.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus tempted by Satan.
Context:
These temptations show that Jesus experienced temptations just as we do. By going into the desert, Jesus is like the Israelites who spent forty years there. However, they constantly failed and many never entered the Promised Land. In contrast, Jesus triumphs over Satan and gains the Kingdom of Heaven for us.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert. He was there forty days and was tempted by the devil. Since he ate nothing, when the days were over he was hungry. The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, say to this stone that it become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written that man does not live on bread alone but on every word of God.”
The devil led him to a high mountain, and in a single instant showed him all the Kingdoms of the world. He said, “I will give you all this power and all this glory, for they are mine and I give them to whomever I will. Just adore me and they are all yours”. Jesus said in reply, “You shall adore the Lord your God and him alone shall you serve.” He brought Jesus to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, because it is written, ‘He has given his angels charge over you. In their hands they will lift you up so you do not dash your foot against the stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” When these temptations were over, the devil left him for a time.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus is both “full of the Spirit” and “led by the Spirit”. He was totally obedient to the Spirit.
- The Spirit allows Jesus to be tempted, knowing that he will win the victory.
- Sure enough, Satan takes the bait. He is in for a surprise.
- Since Jesus is hungry, Satan offers him food.
- Jesus’ hunger is for God’s word.
- The devil offers him all the world’s glory.
- However, the Father claims Jesus’ heart and worldly glory means nothing.
- Jesus is invited to avoid the cross. A miraculous saving by angels will convince all that Jesus is the Messiah.
- Jesus refuses to abandon the Father’s plan. The Kingdom will come by the cross.
- Satan leaves. He waits for another chance. He will be there at Calvary.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Holy Spirit, fill me and lead me.
- O Jesus, you want me to win the victory.
- Help me to conquer my sensual appetites.
- O Jesus, what is worldly glory compared to the glory of your Kingdom?
- You already own the world. You are Lord of heaven and earth.
- O Jesus, you send your angels to protect me.
- Together, we will win the victory.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will avoid all temptations.
+ While being tempted, I will remember the word of God.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
When the temptations were over, the devil left him.