March 9, 2025 Luke 4:1-13 Jesus Face Temptation as well

Everyone usually wants to avoid trials, right? When we were in school, when we sat at the desks to study for exams, didn’t we often end up doing random things like organizing our desk or suddenly noticing how beautiful the view outside the window was? As we live our lives, we face various trials and temptations. At crucial moments in life, we often find ourselves struggling with what is right and how to live. But even in our faith, we cannot avoid trials. Jesus also faced temptations! And they were much stronger than the ones we face. On the first Sunday of Lent, we reflect on the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness and learn how we can overcome trials in our own lives. Lent is not just a time of abstinence; it is a time to reflect on our faith and renew our relationship with God. By looking at how Jesus overcame temptation, let us find meaningful ways to spend this Lenten season. The First Temptation: “You must be hungry, right? Why don’t you turn this stone into bread?” This was a temptation related to materialism and survival. Before this, Jesus fasted for 40 days. Have you ever tried fasting for 40 days? I once fasted for about 20 days, and what’s strange is that once I stated to myself that I would fast, it felt even harder. The hunger became more intense. When I closed my eyes, I imagined chickens flying around, and when I opened my eyes, I could almost taste the smell of perfectly grilled meat. The first 5 days were the hardest for me, but after that, peace began to come. Satan approached Jesus, who had fasted for 40 days, and said, “If you are the Son of God, turn this stone into bread!” What a tempting offer! But Jesus replied, “Man does not live by bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3). He resisted this temptation with the word of God. We also face similar temptations. “If I just had more money, everything would be solved!” or “If I could just live comfortably and eat well, that’s all that matters!” But do we really live by bread alone? Even if we have plenty of money or a big house, we still experience emptiness. This temptation is not just about hunger—it’s about believing that material things are not everything. We must live with the belief that God’s word is the true source of life. 2. The Second Temptation: “I will give you all the glory of the kingdoms of the world!” This was a temptation of power and success. Satan took Jesus to a high place and said, “I will give you all the glory of these kingdoms if you worship me.” This temptation is often very real for us. We hear, “Everyone does this” or “If you just compromise a little, things will get easier.” Many people compromise their faith and conscience in the pursuit of success. But how did Jesus respond? He replied firmly, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13). For Jesus, success was not the goal—serving God was. We often think, “If I can just get more recognition and live a comfortable life, maybe I can compromise my faith a little.” But Jesus calls us to focus on God’s word and to choose God’s kingdom over earthly glory. 3. The Final Temptation: “Throw yourself down from the temple!” This was a temptation to test God. Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written that God will command His angels to protect you.” This sounds like a very ‘religious’ temptation, doesn’t it? But it reveals the human tendency to try to manipulate God for personal gain. Sometimes, we make deals with God: “If you give me what I want, I will do this for you.” But Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16). In moments of temptation, we must ask ourselves: “Do I trust God’s will, or do I try to make God do my will?” Jesus teaches us that the essence of faith is trusting in God and following His will. How Did Jesus Overcome These Temptations? First, He overcame with the word of God. Jesus answered every temptation with scripture. The Bible gives us guidance, correction, and direction in our lives. So, we should keep God’s word close and find strength in it. Secondly, Jesus trusted in God. He did not rush to solve the problems in His own way. Instead, He waited for God’s timing and followed God’s will. The temptation is always to choose the easy, immediate solution, but Jesus chose God’s path. We too can follow Jesus’ example in the trials we face. Jesus overcame the temptations in the wilderness. And we, too, face many trials, but by trusting in God’s word and relying on His will, we can overcome them. How Will We Spend This Lent? One, we can draw closer to God’s word – Why not start reading the Bible daily during this season of Lent? Two, we can trust in God through prayer in our daily struggles – Trusting God, not testing Him. Three, make the right choice in the face of temptation – Choose the right path, not the easy one. Temptations will always come in different forms, big and small. But just as Jesus overcame them, we can too. During this Lenten season, let us walk one step closer to Jesus, trusting in His word and following His example. Prayer: Lord, as we walk through this Lenten season, help us to resist the temptations we face. May we trust in Your word, seek Your guidance, and follow Your will. Strengthen our faith, and may we grow closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.