Matthew 4:1-11—In the Gospel lesson
temptation to sin can be conquered as Jesus overcomes temptation in the
wilderness. Jesus was “tempted by the
devil.” If Satan is the author of
temptation, why do we pray, “Lead us not into temptation”? In this petition, we
pray for strength to withstand temptation.
While trying
to lose weight, someone who was well aware of their friend’s died waved a large
piece of chocolate cake under their friend’s nose inviting them to eat it. That’s
temptation! Daily Satan waves temptations under the nose of the Christian in an
effort to persuade them to transgress their relationship with God.
Satan as the
tempter is so bold that he even tempted Jesus. The Biblical account of Jesus’
temptation is recorded for our benefit to offer us both a pattern and the power
that we need in answering the tempter. Based on Jesus’ own battle with
temptation we will do well to consider how the Savior responded to his own
temptation as well as our own.
Collect for
Friday after Ash Wednesday: Lord, with your loving care guide
the penance we have begun. Help us to persevere with love and sincerity. Grant
this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [2]
-24 February 2023
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