Tempation

We encounter temptations when we are not certain about what we want, we feel conflicted with the choice we should make, or when we have doubts about either who we are or our beliefs. Immediately after Jesus’s baptism where God himself confirmed that Jesus was his Son and that he was loved, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, who then led him to the wilderness. There Jesus fasted and was alone for forty days. Try to imagine Jesus’ state of body and mind: that he may feel week in his flesh and longed for food, and that he may feel lonely for human companionship. It is in these moments of weakness that the devil (or the voice) tempted him.

Read Luke 4: 1-12

Reflect

Luke recorded three temptations, where the devil questioned Jesus’ identity (if you are the son of God), and offered him a choices (if you worship me). Each temptation gives Jesus a choice. Reflect on the nature of these temptations and how Jesus fights the temptations and overcomes them

Apply

What are the temptations in your life? How have you been fighting them? What can you learn from Jesus to overcome when you hear voices that try to lure you to make the wrong choice? How is your knowledge of the Bible today? How can grow in your familiarity of the Bible verses to fight temptation as Jesus did?

Tips

Write down a specific temptation or doubt, and find a Bible verse to counter the doubt or temptation.

No. 1

Handling Rejection

Jesus became very popular with his teaching and received praises from those who have heard him. You can imagine how this must give Jesus a big boost of confidence! Then he went back to his hometown, where everyone in his synagogue knew him and his whole family. They were at first amazed by the things that were coming out of Jesus’ mouth, then they tuned on him.

Read Luke 4:14-28

Reflect

Do you remember the moments you were feeling confident when everything was going well, then someone came along and just teared you down. Instead of looking the evidence of your achievement, they focus on perhaps the things that are out of your control (your family background, race, gender, appearance etc.) and begin to discredit your identity. Jesus knows how you feel! How does Jesus respond to his detractors ? Does he get defensive or begin to doubt himself? Instead, Jesus turns things around on them. He focus on their problem. By telling them what they will do next, he is acknowledge to himself and his detractors their motivation and bringing it out in the light. This is a bold move! A sort of indirect confrontation. Then he pushes further with the story of Elijah. And this really gets to them.

Apply

When someone tries to put you down, take a look at who they are and where they stand. Can you understand why they react this way? How have you responded in the past? How can you imitate Jesus’ attitude next time? Notice that Jesus doesn’t need to defend, because he knows who he is – one who lives to please God (John 5:30) and he knows that God is pleased with him. He does not need people’s acceptance. This is why he can deflect the rejection by focusing on the other person and their motivation. How can you imitate Jesus in seeking to please God in everything you do? And how do you think this could help you to in your confidence in your relationship with God?

Tips

Write down the people (either the type or specific names) who intimidates you and write next to it their fears and motivation. Then write down how you would counter these attacks when they try to put it down again. (It may not have to be a verbal come back or exchange. Often what we need is simply the right thoughts to help us ignore the rejection and carry on.) You can also find a Bible verse to help your counter attack.

No. 2

Authority

In the time of Jesus there were demons who lived inside people and took over their lives. Here Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man who spoke to Jesus hideously and insulted Jesus boastfully. He even commanded Jesus to go away. Today we can encounter people who can act like demons! They can be close family members or strangers. They tend to proud, boastful, arrogant, full of self-importance, and can even come across authoritative!

Read Luke 4: 31-36

Reflect

How dose Jesus respond to the demon, or the impure spirit? What does it mean that he spoke with a stern voice? And what gives Jesus the power to command the demon and even has the demon obey him? Not only that, this proud demon leaves the man without injuring him. Jesus sure gives him a dose of fear!

Apply

Can you think of the people (type or specific person) who has the audacity to challenge your purpose and identity?  We have the power through the Holy Spirit to stand against these challenges.

“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” Mahatma Gandhi

Our enemies have as much power over us only as we allow it. But first, we must build up our internal power – the spiritual power that anchors us in God’s love for us and that gives us the clarity of his will for our lives. God is our refuge and strength and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46: 1-2

Tips

Write down the situation when you are insulted or mocked. How would Jesus look at this person? Would Jesus give them the power to hurt him? Find Bible verse that can give you courage and power to face the challenge. (Psalms is a great resource).

No. 3

Overwhelmed

Jesus’ ability to heal the sick and drive out demands brought people, lots of people to him day and night. Elsewhere in the Bible it says that whenever Jesus heals, power goes out of him. Can you imagine how exhausting that is? Moreover, people were holding down to him as he was becoming very popular for the positive impact he had on their lives.

Read Luke 4: 38-44

Reflect

How does Jesus keep up the energy and calm, given the overwhelming demand from people? (hint, vs. 42). As he grows in his popularity, do you think he’d be tempted to stay in the town that loves him? Why then would he decline their invitation to stay? What gives him the strength or motivation to move on? Jesus commits his early morning hours to spend time with God. (In Mark 1:35 it is specifically stated that Jesus went to the solidary place to pray). Why do you think it is important that he does this alone in a quiet place, and what do you think is the effect after he spends time with God?

Apply

When you are good at something or are trustworthy in carrying out your responsibilities, people tend to come to you for more. Do you get overwhelmed sometimes? And what happens when you get overwhelmed?

Tips

Do you already spend time with God in the morning? If not, make a plan to carve out 20-30 minutes a day to sit by God’s throne. Read, pray, worship, mediate, connect, and ask for his will for you today and commit your activities to him. (if you need to get up earlier to do this, be sure to plan to go to bed earlier, too!)

No. 4

Distractions

Jesus’ ability to heal the sick and drive out demands brought people, lots of people to him day and night. Elsewhere in the Bible it says that whenever Jesus heals, power goes out of him. Can you imagine how exhausting that is? Moreover, people were holding down to him as he was becoming very popular for the positive impact he had on their lives.

Read Luke 4: 38-44

Reflect

How does Jesus keep up the energy and calm, given the overwhelming demand from people? (hint, vs. 42). As he grows in his popularity, do you think he’d be tempted to stay in the town that loves him? Why then would he decline their invitation to stay? What gives him the strength or motivation to move on? Jesus commits his early morning hours to spend time with God. (In Mark 1:35 it is specifically stated that Jesus went to the solidary place to pray). Why do you think it is important that he does this alone in a quiet place, and what do you think is the effect after he spends time with God?

Apply

Jesus is very intentional with his mission and how he uses his time. He knows his end goal and what he needs to do to get there. This enables him to be very effective. Are you clear on your life goals, and your plan to get there? Or do you get easily swayed by people with their invitations to do things that do not align with your goals? How can you get your strength and focus from God to keep going? Why does Jesus need to be alone to pray, and why early in the morning? How does this time spent with God give him the strength to keep going, as well as the focus on his mission?

Tips

Write down your goal for the year and your plans to achieve them. Commit these goals and plans to God, ask if they align with his will for you and let the Holy Spirit guide you to confirm. Review your progress weekly or monthly and notice events that do not align with your goal and remove them.

No. 5