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GOSPEL | Luke 4:1-13
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan
and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days,
to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days,
and when they were over he was hungry.
The devil said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered him,
“It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”
Then he took him up and showed him
all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
The devil said to him,
“I shall give to you all this power and glory;
for it has been handed over to me,
and I may give it to whomever I wish.
All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It is written
You shall worship the Lord, your God,
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem,
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said 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 guard you,
and:
With their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It also says,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation,
he departed from him for a time.
EVERY WEEK QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
What temptations most easily trap you?
Jesus’ temptation in the desert is not just a test—it is a blueprint for our own spiritual battles. Satan tempts Jesus with three fundamental temptations that continue to ensnare humanity today:
The temptation of physical comfort – “Turn this stone into bread.” This is the temptation to satisfy our cravings—hunger, pleasure, material comfort—at the expense of our spiritual life. How often do we choose what feels good over what is right?
The temptation of power and control – “I will give you all the kingdoms.” This is the temptation of influence, success, and dominance. The devil offers Jesus the world if He will bow to him. How often do we compromise integrity for influence, status, or security?
The temptation to test God – “Throw yourself down.” This is the temptation to demand signs from God, to expect faith to be easy, or to believe that He must act according to our terms. Do we manipulate faith, following God only when it suits us?
Modern studies show that self-control is one of the greatest predictors of long-term success and happiness (American Psychological Association, 2022). Yet, our culture glorifies self-indulgence. We are bombarded with messages that say, “Do what you want, when you want, how you want.” But Christ models a different path—one of self-mastery and obedience to God.
The Catechism (CCC 540) teaches that Jesus’ victory in the desert “reveals the way in which we are to overcome temptation”—not by arguing with Satan, but by standing on God’s Word and trusting in the Father’s plan.
Satan departs “for a time,” but he will return—just as he does in our own lives. The battle against temptation is ongoing. Are we spiritually prepared, or do we fall into sin easily?
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Recognizing your weakness: Which of these three temptations—physical comfort, power/control, or testing God—do you struggle with the most? How can you resist it more effectively?
Mastering self-control: Jesus’ response shows the power of knowing and standing on Scripture. How well do you arm yourself with God’s Word when facing temptation?
Fighting temptation daily: If Satan returned to tempt you today, in what area would he most likely attack? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual defenses?
LIVE IT
Going around, affirm one particular way that person has inspired you by his/her perseverance in resisting temptation and remaining faithful to God. Encourage him/her.
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