Temptation – Part 2

February 24, 2026

Broadcast

                          Temptation - Part 2
                             Matthew 4:3-4
                              02/24/2026


        3    And the tempter came and said to him, ``If you are
             the Son of God, command these stones to become
             loaves of bread.''
        4    But he answered, ``It is written, `Man shall not
             live by bread alone, but by every word that comes
             from the mouth of God.'''  (ESV)

        During Lent we reflect on God's grace, love, and mercy as He
   delivered us from sin, death, and the power of the devil.  Last
   Sunday we prayed:
        O Lord God; You led Your ancient people through the
        wilderness and brought them to the promised land.
        Guide the people of Your Church that following our
        Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world
        toward the glory of the world to come.


        Immediately after He was baptized, Jesus went by Himself
   into the wilderness in order to be tempted by the devil.  Jesus
   had to overcome the temptations which we fail to overcome.  His
   victory over sin had to include victory over the sins which
   continue to defeat each of us.  The first temptation concerned
   our bodily needs.

        Jesus had been fasting for forty days.  He was hungry.  As
   true man, He was at the end of His energy, weak with hunger.
        And the tempter came and said to him, ``If you are the
        Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of
        bread.''  But he answered, ``It is written, `Man shall
        not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes
        from the mouth of God.'''


        Jesus trusted in His Father, even when weak with hunger.  He
   proved He is the Son of God by rebuking the devil and by holding
   to God's Word alone.

        May our Lord grant us faith that He will provide for us in
   time of need so we trust in Him for all things.  Amen.