Dealing with Temptation
First Sunday in Lent
February 22, 2026 8:00 am
Scripture
Matthew 4:1-11
Meditation
As we enter the season of Lent, we become painfully aware of our sinfulness and deep need for a savior. Lent reminds us that these sins do not just appear, they are the result of real thoughts and actions which we have committed over our entire lifetime. They are sins which, despite our best efforts, we cannot stop or stem due to our fallen nature. And every sin we commit begins first with a temptation. So how do we deal with temptation today? What insights and examples can we use from the Bible to help us identify temptations for what they really are and resist them?
Today we find Jesus in the desert, being tempted by Satan. Satan comes to Jesus when He is alone and weak in His body. How Jesus responds to these temptations and ultimately sends Satan away provides a powerful example of how we are to handle the same in our own lives. Seeing the example of Jesus not only serves as an example to us, but makes us that much more focus on all Jesus did for us.
Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us about Jesus, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” And so, as we enter into Lent we draw close to Jesus who endured trial and temptation yet remained without sin in order to be the perfect and unblemished sacrifice for our sins. And by following His example, we are better equipped to resist temptation and that much more filled with grace when we stumble yet again.
Prayer
Almighty God, during this Lenten season we give you thanks for the person and work of Jesus, who endured temptations, suffering, and death on the cross for us. Help us, when we face temptations in our own lives, that we may look to Jesus not only as an example to follow, but a sure and certain hope for sinners such as us. Let us boldly draw near to the forgiveness of Jesus as we come to God as sinners in need. Amen.