Luke 4:1-4 (Contemporary English Version) When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, the power of the Holy Spirit was with him, and the Spirit led him into the desert. For forty days Jesus was tested by the devil, and during that time he went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry.
The devil said to Jesus, "If you are God's Son, tell this stone to turn into bread."
Jesus answered, "The Scriptures say, `No one can live only on food.' "
Context: Let's take a closer look at the experience that Jesus had in the desert. It all begins when Jesus returned from the Jordan River … Jesus was baptized at the Jordan River. At his baptism, the Spirit had come upon Jesus, and God said, "You are my Son, the Beloved." Since that time baptism by water and baptism of the Holy Spirit have been connected. Because of his baptism, Jesus knew who he was. Jesus knew he was God‟s Son … the Beloved. Baptism is about receiving identity as children of God … we become known as the beloved of God and we receive the Holy Spirit and we live together in the beloved community. Does that mean we no longer have problems or troubles or sufferings … no … but it does mean that we receive the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit so that we can live through our problems, troubles and sufferings.
After his baptism … the Spirit led [Jesus] into the desert. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is led but not left by the Spirit who dwells within him giving him strength for this desert experience … the desert is a lonely place not inhabited with people. This means Jesus was totally alone with only the Spirit within for company. Great company though, huh?
For forty days Jesus was tested by the devil … the “devil” is the personification of evil, slander, false accusation, and lies … any idea that opposes the will and desire of God, whether it is internal or external can be labeled as devil … in this particular passage the devil personifies lies and ideas that are contrary to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Although many versions translate this as the temptation of Jesus it really was a testing of his sense of self … his identity as God's Son.
Going Deeper: During this time Jesus went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry. Well, how hungry would you be after 40 days? Ok it is the end of 40 days, I'm done … I'm hungry … what's for supper?? The devil says, "If you are God's Son, tell this stone to turn into bread." If you are God's Son … It is all about identity. The “lying one” challenges the identity that God has given Jesus. Remember that Jesus knew who he was … he was God‟s Son! But here pops up that little lying doubt … IF you are God‟s Son … IF you have Spirit … IF you have the power … just do it … do it yourself … feed yourself … sustain yourself … pull yourself up by your bootstraps and just do it! … God helps those who help themselves! WAIT! That's not in the bible … it's in an article called Discourses Concerning Government which was a highly influential publication in England in 1698.
God helps those who help themselves! Friends, not only is this not in the bible, it really is contrary to the message of the bible where we find a God who takes care of widows and orphans and people who are suffering, people who have no one to take their side. God has real difficulties taking care of people who can take care of themselves. I think that is why when you go out into the margins of life … the place where people are truly suffering … that is where you find so much Spirit ... because people who live on the margins … sometimes that‟s all they‟ve got.
Jesus answered the devil, "The Scriptures say, `No one can live only on food.' " You may have heard it said in this way … “people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
Each of the Scriptural responses Jesus makes to the devil are lifted from the book of Deuteronomy. Moses is testifying to God's faithfulness in the presence of the Israelites after they have been wandering and complaining for 40 years in the wilderness. They were just on the edge of the Promised Land … the land of milk and honey and all their dreams. Jesus uses this historical metaphor to indicate that there is more to life than just the physical and that abundant life emerges from a relationship with God and with others in community.
Pondering: Have you been baptized? Do you believe that baptism emerges as a decision you make or that baptism is something God uses to invite you into the life that is already yours? What does baptism mean to you? What does it feel like to know that you are the beloved of God?
When do you have problems "doing it all by yourself?" Do you believe that God helps the helpless or that God helps those who can help themselves?" Have you ever encountered people on the margins? What kind of experience was that for you? Have you ever experienced the Spirit of God moving in the margins? What was that like for you?
What do you believe about "the devil?" Is the devil more a real person or a concept? Is the devil more internal or external in your experiences? How does what you believe about the devil impact your spiritual life?
Praying: The Lenten Season is one of prayer and self-reflection. Our Lenten theme at Ashford UMC is "the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.” I invite you to engage in an adapted daily “Prayer of Examen” either on your own or with family members throughout the season of Lent.
1. Come to the center of yourself and sit in the silence ...
2. For what are you most grateful this day?
3. For what are you least grateful this day?
4. Sit in the silence as you contemplate the action you will take as a result of your meditation
Contemplate the presence of God in the tension of your life and in your response to these questions ...
“May your heart be filled with the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit”
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