Passage of the Day:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him, Matthew 4:1-11.
Reflection:
Jesus’ earthly brother compares the Devil to a crafty fisherman, luring fish out of hiding with tempting bait, James 1:13-15. Perhaps, this knowledge was passed down to James by Jesus at some point following the events which transpired in the passage above. Overcoming temptation doesn’t just require discipline and a strong mind. Rather, you have to know Scripture and be able to discern the context in which the Bible takes place. This is part of putting on the mind of Christ.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 1 Peter 1:13-15.
Renewing Your Mind:
I once looked at committed followers of Jesus as crazy and foolish for missing out on temporary pleasures that I indulged in as a teenager. Yet, looking back, I was the one who was clueless according to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16. Without access to the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 2:18, you are unable to comprehend or understand the things of God. However, as this spiritual transformation begins to occur, Romans 8:26-27, renewed minds are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
During the faith journey known as life, there will be many setbacks, some of these will be self-inflicted. Yet don’t let early failures in 2024 influence you to give up. Life is a marathon, Hebrews 12:1, which requires training; living and learning how to put on the mind of Christ.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 