Engaged Minds

This week we will study passages in the book of John that talk about truth: what it is, where it comes from and how we can seek it. 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Matthew 4:1-11 

For more help use this Bible Study method

To view today’s sermon wait until 12 noon and go here.  Use these sermon notes for your family and/or small group discussions.

REFLECTION

Jesus, Temptation, Scripture, and Angels

by Elaine Pierce

“Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you” - St. Francis de Sales

Today we are looking at another passage that is familiar to many of us – my Bible calls it “The Temptation of Jesus.”  I will admit that I have not paid much attention to verse 11 before: “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”  

Wouldn’t you like to know what that was like?  How did the angels ‘attend’ to Jesus?  I would love to know what the angels did, but I must trust that somehow, food, was involved, as Jesus had not eaten for 40 days and 40 nights.  

Satan tempts Jesus, even using scripture (and calling on angels) to try to convince Jesus to follow him instead of his Father. Since Jesus was fully human, it had to be extremely difficult to resist these seemingly irresistible calls for earthly power and glory. But Jesus knew scripture far better than his tempter, and he was able to resist temptation by reminding himself of God’s true promises:

-Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (v. 4)

-Do not put the Lord your God to the test. (v. 7)

-Away from me, Satan!  For it is written:  Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. (v. 10)

This passage reminds me that soaking in scripture, daily, is one way that God prepares me for life’s challenges and temptations. One of the members of my small group commits himself regularly to memorizing scripture. How about you?  How about me? Ask God to show you where to start. I guarantee you will be blessed, and you will bless others.

Jesus resisted temptation. Angels attended him after he was tempted. Jesus knew God’s word, and God used it for good. We have the scriptures, the holy spirit, and the community of believers to help us as we journey through our lives. Thanks be to God for these gifts.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

SUNDAY - SCRIPTURES - Pray the Scriptures. Some examples are Psalm 91:1-15 / Psalm 121:5-8 / John 14:27 / Philippians 4:6-7 / 2 Timothy 1:7