In the Desert

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”’

Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Talk:
Have you ever been to a desert?
Why might people want to go out into a desert?
Some people might be looking for quiet, to listen, and to think. Are there other places you could do that?

I wonder what it was like to be all alone in the desert for such a long time?
Why do you think Jesus went out into the desert?
I wonder how Jesus felt when the Devil was near to him?
I wonder if it was hard for Jesus to say no?

The Devil was offering Jesus a lot of things that may have made his life easier. Jesus said no for many reasons, one of them might have been that the easiest way isn’t always the best or right way to do things. Can you think of something in your life that may be easy, but not right?
(examples may be peeking at a classmate’s quiz for answers, not brushing your teeth at night because you’re tired, eating junk food instead of making healthy choices).

Finish with Prayer: 

God, thank you Jesus’ example of how to do the right thing and how to say no when tempted.

God, today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God, today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God, today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen