Matthew 4:1–11 describes Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. This series of events is also recorded in Luke 4:1-13 and is mentioned, without much detail, in Mark 1:12–13. After 40 days and nights of fasting, Jesus faces three temptations from Satan. Each one attempts to lure Christ into abusing His power; to take immediately what God the Father has promised to provide later. Jesus resists each temptation with a quote from Deuteronomy, refusing to rebel against the plans of God the Father. Finally, Jesus refuses to worship the devil in exchange for the kingdoms of the earth. This Sunday’s lesson will focus on this final temptation recorded for us in Matthew 4:8-10, the temptation to worship something other than God in exchange for worldly rewards.
