Monday, July 19, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Tony Sundermeier
New Testament scholar Ruth Anne Reese makes the case that the temptations Jesus faces in this passage are an attempt by the Evil One to disrupt Christ’s confidence in who he is. She writes,
Twice (vv. 3,9) the devil begins his temptation by calling into question Jesus’ identity as the Son of God with the words “if you are the Son of God” followed by a challenge to prove this identity with some miraculous display (stone into bread (v. 3); a dramatic angelic rescue from death (vv. 9-11)). In the first 3 chapters of Luke, Jesus’ identity was confirmed by Mary, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, John the Baptist, and the genealogy in Luke 3. Jesus did not have to do anything to prove his identity or to earn commendation as the Son of God. He is declared to be the one who will bring salvation to his people. This is who he is, Son of God, Savior, but the devil over and over tempts him to display his identity in self-serving ways that would undermine his identity as the Son who relies on the good gifts of the Father.
Today, as we are tempted to prove ourselves or tempted to forget that we have been claimed, in love, by our creator God, let us remember this fundamental truth from 1 John 3:1:
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.
This is who we are. Full stop. Beloved children of the living God.
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
