Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Discipleship that Transcends Temptations
Bible Reading: Luke 4: 1-13 
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone’” Luke 4:4 

DEVOTION

Discipleship is learning to love and follow Jesus while becoming more like him in our attitudes and actions. It’s not a journey of ease but a path marked by surrender, spiritual warfare, and unwavering allegiance to Christ. In this passage, we see Jesus fresh from his baptism and affirmation, and he is led by the Spirit into the wilderness—a place of isolation, hunger, and intense spiritual testing. Yet, in this crucible of temptation, Jesus shows us what true discipleship looks like. I often assumed that being filled with the Spirit meant being shielded from hardship, at least that's what I thought during my freshman year. But Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested and tried. Discipleship means blindly following where God leads, even when it’s uncomfortable. The wilderness in this case isn't a punishment but preparation. It’s where our character is forged and the shallow roots of convenience are replaced by the deep roots of conviction. We are being prepared to be more suitable Christians. Satan’s temptations were strategic and planned; to turn stones into bread (physical needs), to claim power and glory without the cross (ambition), and to test God’s protection (presumption). Each temptation targets a deep human craving but Jesus resists not through self-discipline alone, but by relying on God’s Word. Discipleship that transcends temptation is rooted in Scripture. We are not overcome by willpower but by God’s truth and word. Temptation constantly challenges identity. It constantly alters who we are and what we are. Jesus during his journey just heard the Father say, “You are my Son, whom I love” (Luke 3:22). He didn’t need to prove it, Jesus believed him. We are meant to live from our identity in Christ, not striving to earn it. And that identity is displayed through obedience and trust. Furthermore, Jesus’ victory over temptation happens in private before his public ministry begins. As disciples, we often long to do great things for God, but the real battle is won in secret when no one but God sees. Who we are in the wilderness determines who we will be in the spotlight. True discipleship endures not because temptation disappears, but because our trust in God is more significant than our desire for immediate relief. 

PRAYER

 Oh Heavenly Father, we are your salvation lord. We are your servants, and we humbly bow down before you Lord. Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. We pray that you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. We pray that you carry us through our difficulties and that you chase away our enemies. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your favor and grace. Lord, strengthen me to follow you even when temptations call. Help me hide your word in my heart and live in obedience. In the name I say Amen. 

Thought for the day

 True discipleship is tested and proven in the wilderness 

Neha Jacob, Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

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