Tempted and Tired? Jesus Gets Us
Today’s Verse:
Matthew 4:4 ESV
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Today is the final day of looking at a sermon series idea that never made it into our church cycle, “Finding Hope in the Wilderness.” Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and then being tempted by the devil. The entire reading can be found in Matthew 4:1-11.
After forty days of fasting, Jesus faced the devil’s temptations in the wilderness. Hungry and physically weakened, He could have relied on His own divine power or human resolve to overcome Satan’s schemes. Yet, Jesus chose a different path—He turned to the Word of God. When tempted to turn stones into bread, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, declaring that true life comes not from satisfying earthly desires but from trusting God’s Word.
As Lutherans, we are reminded of the power of God’s Word in our lives. Jesus’ victory over temptation was not rooted in willpower or self-reliance but in the sure and certain promises of Scripture. In our own wilderness moments—facing doubt, hardship, or temptation—we are often tempted to lean on our strength. But Jesus shows us a better way: to stand firm on God’s Word, which is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and sufficient for every trial.
Martin Luther emphasized that the Word is our greatest treasure, for it delivers Christ Himself—His grace, forgiveness, and strength. In the Small Catechism, we confess that God’s Word is our guide and shield. Like Jesus, we are called to trust that God’s promises sustain us, even when the devil whispers lies or our circumstances seem overwhelming.
Today, reflect on a challenge or temptation you face. Instead of relying solely on your own efforts, turn to Scripture. Memorize a verse like Matthew 4:4 or Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”) to carry with you. Let God’s Word be your strength, trusting that it will guide and sustain you as it did for Jesus in the wilderness.
.Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, when I face the challenges of this life, uphold me by Your Spirit to direct me to trust in Your Word and promises. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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