Matthew 4:1 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 4:1 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Devotion
During my seminary internship as a nursing home chaplain, a resident said to me, “I’m a Christian because Jesus was a human being, so when I pray to him, he knows what I’m talking about.” That wonderful saint and this text remind me that Jesus’ humanity is a cornerstone of my faith. The willingness of Jesus to be tempted by the devil in this text makes his humanity concrete. Like Jesus, we “gird our loins” daily for our faith to be tested. We strive to love God and our neighbor more fully, we pray, we worship and we walk by faith in this very human and divine Jesus. Each day we draw water from the ever-flowing well of Jesus’ divine compassion to strengthen and inspire us.
Prayer
Jesus our Savior, we thank you for your ever-present companionship. Together may we live by faith and love. Amen.