Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lord Jesus who Triumphed Temptation
Matthew 4:1-11
 Vs. 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Temptations are an unfortunate stumbling block in our life. The examples of possible temptations are astronomical. Whether watching television instead of doing homework or eating junk food when trying to adapt a healthy lifestyle, life seems to be filled with temptations.
In today’s scripture passage, we read about the temptations that even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, faced while in the wilderness. Jesus was not only starving due to fasting for 40 days and nights, but He lacked the simple comforts He was accustomed to while living in the desert. Comforts such as shelter, clean water, or even safety from dangerous animals escaped Him during this life experience. With each enticing offer Satan dangled before Him, Christ had the strength to reject them using His knowledge of the Word of God. Given the circumstances, it would have been easy, and some might think justifiable, for Christ to give in to Satan’s temptations. However, by not succumbing to the grandiose promises of the tempter, Christ became the victor. He gained the power and fortitude needed to begin His journey to bring God’s children back to His Kingdom.
It is important to realize the magnitude of Jesus’ resistance to Satan’s temptation as it begins His mission and ministry. By not falling prey, Christ demonstrates the true dedication He has to the Scriptures and fulfilling God’s divine purpose. When Jesus rejected these temptations, it not only proved He was strong in body, mind, and soul for the mission ahead, it also solidified the value of God’s love for His people and nothing should deter Him from saving humanity from death brought on by sin.

In today’s world, temptations are so hard to resist because they seem to offer people an easy and/or more pleasing way to live life. During the Lenten season, each of us confronts daily the temptation of that which we have given up. However, similar to Christ, we also must declare that “Man, does not live by bread alone”. We must rely and focus on the Word of God to strengthen us in our times of trouble and weakness. As we look to God’s word, we are reminded by 1 Corinthians 10: 12 – 13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This passage encourages us because it gives us the promise that we will never be tempted beyond our means, and He will always provide us a way out. Just as Christ overcame temptation, we should overcome our obstacles by focusing, meditating, and relying on God’s Word.
 PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us not to fall prey to the multitude of temptations surrounding us. Help us to be strong and determined like Christ, and let Your will and divine purpose reign. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
 Shuba Koshy, St. Thomas MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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