WEDNESDAY

Matthew 4:1-11

If you want to understand the nature of deception, one way to do that is to observe how someone who is being dishonest works to tempt and deceive. We need to look no further than Genesis 3 to get our first exposure. The serpent is clever in ways that are as subtle as they are destructive, as trust is undermined and poor decisions are made. In the stories we have been reflecting on abbath, we see the destructive force that deception had in Jacob’s family. You can probably think of a few stories of your own in more recent times that illustrate the same thing. But perhaps one of the places where we see the deceiver/tempter at work the most clearly is in today’s passage. It is unique because this is one of those times when the effort at deception failed. As we reflect on both what was being distorted and the truth that Jesus told, we can f ind some important insights into what living with genuine integrity looks like. As you reflect on today’s passage, consider the following:

• What was it that Jesus had last heard so clearly before the temptation began? (If you don’t recall, you can back up a few verses into the end of chapter 3 to refresh your recollection.) What was so foundational about this in the context of resisting deception?

• How do you see deceptive tactics being used in the first temptation of Jesus?

• In the second temptation of Jesus, what new sorts of distortions were added in order to make the tempter’s suggestions seem more credible?

• In the final temptation of Jesus, what approach was taken, and how was it presented in order to make it appealing?

• What do you notice about each of Jesus’ responses? In what ways do you see integrity being manifested, not just as getting the answer right, but in terms of being the right kind of person?

• As you think about the way “temptation” happens in your own life, what insights can you glean from your reflections here?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what you are thinking about and what is on your heart as you think about today’s passage.