As we mark the weekly sabbath rest during this Lenten season, take time to meditate on today’s passage, reflecting on how it to relates to Philippians 2:5–11. Read it over a few times, being mindful of where the Holy Spirit invites you to pause to consider what he wants to speak into your life today.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Though he was God,he did not think of equality with Godas something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal’s death on a cross.Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honorand gave him the name above all other names,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5–11 NLT)
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.
Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”
Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”
Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the LORD your Godand serve only him.’”
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.And they will hold you up with their handsso you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’”When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. (Luke 4:1–13 NLT)