Luke 4:1-13
Reflect
A few weeks ago in our team preaching, I talked about a book I am reading called “The Way Of The Heart” by H.J. Nouwen. In this book, Nouwen addresses the three temptations Jesus faces in this passage. Nouwen talks about these three as being the temptation to be relevant, to be powerful, and to be spectacular.
Relevant: How much do we all want to be able to meet not only our needs but the needs of others and produce what people need? The desire to be needed is strong.
Powerful: Jesus was offered power, and that was what He surrendered in order to be with us. Jesus opted to love us rather than rule us. In doing so, He showed the weakness of power and the strength of love.
Spectacular: The adoration of the crowd can be highly addictive and highly elusive. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus and the call of that same crowd for His death only days later proves the crowd is fickle indeed.
These temptations are not reserved for Jesus alone, but are matters we all face repeatedly. I pray that we can follow our Saviour’s lead in resisting these enticements by the power of the Word of God.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Church Board members: Barbara Whidden, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kleiwer, Lia Daniels, Matt Chute, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Tyler Elmgren, and Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Robin Radke, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.