May 17, 2020
We have all lived it. We listen to someone who talks about something we
have experienced and we say to ourselves: “That person knows what they are
talking about.” It is not necessarily the facts alone, but it is a feeling that
that person has experienced the same as me. Matthew wants you to see that in
Jesus. Just as we are all tempted, Jesus was tempted. Just as the people of
Israel walked the desert for 40 years, Jesus walked it for 40 days. Jesus does
not see his position as one to avail himself of as an excuse not to experience
our tribulations and difficulties. Jesus knows the In Between, because Jesus
has been there and won. He knows our temptations because he has lived them and
triumphed over them. For that reason He is worthy of your trust.
When was the last time
someone else’s In-Between experience was useful to you in your life?
What do temptations have in
common? How are they different? What do Jesus’ answers have in common? How are
they different?
On two different occasions
the devil uses the phrase: “If you are the Son of God.” What do you think the
devil is trying to achieve using this phrase? Why do you think Jesus seems to
ignore the phrase both times?
What phrase would the
tempter use in your personal life in the phrase “If you are ...?” What would be
your answer?
Which of Jesus’ answers
could you use at this point in your life and why?
No comments:
Post a Comment