Luke 4

Throughout Advent, we will read the book of Luke together. You are invited to pause for a few minutes, quiet your soul and read contemplatively Luke 4.

After reading the entire chapter, pause and read the highlighted verses below for further reflection.
 
Today‘s focus is on verses Luke 4: 1-4.  
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

Meditate

1. After Jesus’ baptism, this opening scene places Jesus in the wilderness and temptation.  As if it were a play, we have changed scenes and we are in a stark contrast of the narrative before.  In this moment, how do you picture this scene?  Place yourself there.  What are the sights, sounds, tastes, experiences do you see as this story unfolds? 
2. In the temptations, the if/then statements provide a conditional way of understanding Jesus as the Son of God. If you are the Son of God, then do turn stones into bread. Jesus is tempted to serve his own needs rather than depending on God’s provision for his needs.  What gets in your way of God’s work within you today?  How are you depending on your own needs instead of God’s provision? 

 
Share
On social media — either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram —share an image and/or your reflections on today’s chapter. Please share only images that you have taken or for which you own the rights.  Be sure to include the hashtags #GPUMCAdvent and #Luke4 as we reflect together in community.

Prayer for Reflection

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44