Thoughts while preparing for the Bible Study this week:

In Luke 4, the three temptations came first as a way to supply an immediate need (Luke 4: 3-4), second as a way to fulfill personal ambition (Luke 4: 5-8), and thirdly as a way to test God’s care (Luke 4: 9-12). The way that Jesus worked through these, using his knowledge of Scripture, enabled him to move forward with God-given certainty and set aside personal sense and desire.

It is wonderful that not only are we given this method on how to conquer temptation, but also that these temptations were precursors to what he would face, again and again, repeating and defeating! They were counterfeiting the true mission of Christ, and the fundamental teachings of Christian Science that are taught here.

God is the source of all supply:
Once back in Nazareth, Jesus receives his mission (Luke 4: 16-20) and from there on out, all that is needed to fulfill it. Disciples, food, who to help, where to go, what to say, …everything!

God promotes us as we prove we are ready:
As was on the sign in front of our church recently, “True ambition is a holy desire to know God.” All Christ Jesus did was unselfed, God-directed, and for God’s glory. Having faced any feeling of personal ambition, he was unfazed by the constant call for him to be king afterward.

The only security is in obeying God:
So much of what Jesus faced was “life-threatening” by material standards, but obedience to God always brought him through. I find it so amazing how the third temptation’s call to throw himself from the “pinnacle of the temple” is mirrored somewhat by the people of the synagogue wanting to cast him off the hill (Luke 4: 28-30) only to have him “passing through the midst of them” and going his way.

I am so grateful for how Christian Science, as I am learning in this church, is giving me the ability to understand more each day. Each week I am astonished with the excellent teaching made available here. Thank you!