Lent Reading: Sunday, March 9

Reading: Matthew 4:1-10

Reflection Questions:

  1. As you sit with the passage of Scripture, what do you notice about Jesus’ relationship with the Holy Spirit? How does the knowledge of this relationship effect your perspective of Christ’s experience in solitude as he faces the tempter of souls and confronts the common temptations of humanity? Does this perspective give you courage in your own wilderness-like journey or confronting temptations? Why or why not?
  2. As you read through each invitation of the tempter to Christ, what might be at the root of each temptation? What kinds of invitations tempt you away from God? Think of places, things, people, influences or personal dispositions and attitudes where you are most tempted (places of vulnerability, defensiveness, desires for control, power, or esteem). What’s at the root of these for you?
  3. Discuss these things with God in prayer – openly, honestly. Listen for the word of God to you.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

– Elizabeth Khorey