The first temptation of Jesus is pictured in this image, part of this week’s lectionary reading from Luke 4:1-13.
“If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone.’”
The three temptations of Jesus remind us of the story of the Israelites in the desert. Jesus in a sense stands exactly where they stood, he stands where we stand and chooses wisely. The people of God grumbled about God’s provision in the Desert. Here Jesus is tempted to live independently of God, to use his own powers to turn stone to bread. He shows us that life is found by learning to be dependent on God and choosing to follow his lead, which isn’t always the easiest, most comfortable way.
Perhaps the challenge to us is to our materialism.
Click on the image for a larger version.
A lectionary image 2 weeks running! This could be a regular feature.
