Good Friday to you!
Read Luke 4
Luke 4 brings us the temptation of Jesus, and Jesus getting rejected in his hometown, among other things. I find it interesting as I look at these passages that we only get reported the three final temptations, as the 40 days are ending, and Jesus is famished. It makes me wonder what other kinds of temptations did the devil whisper to Jesus throughout the 40 days. Was the devil planting seeds of doubt about God’s goodness—would God really lead you out here into the wilderness for 40 days, to be tempted by me? Was the devil trying to get Jesus to question his identity—Do you truly believe you are the Son of God, come down from heaven to rescue the people? How often was Jesus tempted to grumble in the wilderness like the Israelites before him?
I wonder how you respond to the smaller temptations the devil whispers to you, not just the big public ones? I wonder how often we put God to the test when it comes to our faith and prayer lives, trying to get God to answer our prayers in a certain way to prove that God is God, or that God is good?
As we prepare for Christmas this Advent season, Jesus names why he was sent two times in Luke 4. First, when he reads from the scroll of Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk 4.18-19).
And second at the end of the chapter after the crowds find him in a deserted place and want Jesus all for themselves he says, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” (Lk 4.33).
How does thinking about these reasons for why Jesus was sent to earth impact how you look at Christmas?
People in this chapter are very selfish and want Jesus for themselves, but Jesus reminds them that he is here for more than just them. In what ways do you struggle with sharing the good news, the blessings, the gift of Jesus with others? How do you react when you realize Jesus is for more than just you, and that God wants to bless, show love and forgiveness to people you don’t like?
What stands out to you today?
Grace and Peace,
Matt