Wildernesses, places of temptation

Derek Munn February 23, 2026 0 0

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Matthew 4: 1-11 (NIV)

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

One of the great struggles we all have is temptation – this can take many forms and may become debilitating, depending on our weakness. I love the story of Joseph who was tempted by Potiphar’s wife in Genesis — Joseph’ solution was to run away! I love the idea of just saying — ‘That’s it — I’m off!’ Easier said than done!

Matthew 4: 1–11 feels a lot more relatable when you think of it as Jesus facing the same kinds of pressures we deal with — being tempted when He was hungry, tired, and alone. Each temptation pokes at something familiar: the urge to prove ourselves, the desire for quick fixes, the pull toward control. What’s striking is how calmly and confidently Jesus responds, leaning on God’s word instead of the moment’s emotion. It’s a gentle reminder that strength doesn’t come from pretending we’re never tempted but from knowing where to anchor ourselves when we are. This passage encourages me to slow down, breathe, and choose trust over impulse, especially when life feels overwhelming.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

when I read about Jesus facing temptation in the wilderness, I’m reminded how often I feel pulled in different directions too. Give me the same steady trust He showed. When I’m tired or unsure, help me lean on Your word instead of quick fixes or distractions. Strengthen my heart to choose what is good, even when it’s hard, and guide me to rest in the truth that I don’t have to prove myself to anyone — because I already belong to You.

Amen.