If you were to be tested

Reflecting back on Jesus' testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4), which of the 3 temptations thrown at Jesus, would be your biggest stumbling block?

1. The temptation to use your power for your own benefit? (Turning stones to bread)

2. To seek fame and honour, by seeking to be spectacular? (Throwing yourself from the Temple)

3. To compromise who you worship, in order to gain the whole world? (Bowing down to the devil)

I realise it is a tough question to answer but chew on it for a while. 

Perhaps another way to reflect on the passage, is to ask: "What is my greatest weakness at the moment, and would the adversary use that to try and get me to turn away from Jesus?"

Proverbs 27:21 - Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Four

Our two greatest enemies are Death and the Devil. In Jesus' temptation in the wilderness He defeats the 3 strategic attempts of the enemy to try and distract him from God's plan. No matter how hard the devil tries, Jesus rejects his efforts.

^"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." - Matthew 4:8-11

As we project forward to the Passion of Christ we should also remember that the second of our enemies is defeated at the Resurrection. Taking a look into the empty tomb reveals the greatest gift we could ever dream of. It tells the story that death will not be the end for us, but rather the transition from this world to God's home. 

Allow the knowledge of this victory to bring you LIFE today.

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." - Hebrews 2:14-15

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Being a life-long learner

“A disciple is an apprentice of Jesus” - Dallas Willard

When Jesus called the 'disciples' to come and follow him, they were not yet disciples. They were ordinary citizens of a different kingdom.  They probably had a longing in their heart for something more - for something deeper, but they may have thought they were not good enough to follow a Rabbi. However, in the moment when Jesus turned tradition on it's head and called them to be his disciples, the 12 agreed to become life-long apprentices of God. 

Our decision to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour is the first part of this journey and, dare I say it, the easiest part. What follows after this, is a commitment to intentionally walk the 'Jesus Way'  day after day. 

So, how are things going for you as a disciple? What have you learnt today about following the Son of God?

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

·   Matthew 4:19 - “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (NLT)