Lenten Devotions and Scripture, Week 5
Pick three days this week to dive deeper into scripture using the prompts below.
Note: Devotions from MinistryPass.com
Week 5, Day 1:
Matthew 4:10 (ESV)
[10] Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
Worship Belongs to God Alone
Satan, offering the kingdoms of the world, invited Jesus to worship him in exchange for instant power and glory. Jesus unwaveringly refused: “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:10) Worship is never to be traded—even for great rewards or influence. Throughout history, Satan has craved worship meant only for God, deceiving many with promises of pleasure, power, or comfort if only they’ll bow elsewhere. Jesus chose the harder path: faithfulness, suffering, and obedience—even to the cross. Are there areas of life competing for your worship? Lent calls us back to single-hearted devotion and exclusive allegiance to Christ, remembering that only in Him are we truly fulfilled.
Key Takeaway
Exclusive worship of God guards your heart from the world’s counterfeit promises.
Questions to Consider
- Which ‘kingdoms’ or pursuits compete for your worship?
- How do you keep Christ at the center of your affections and priorities?
- What may God be calling you to surrender to worship Him alone?
Week 5, Day 2:
Matthew 4:9 (ESV)
[9] And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Rejecting the Allure of Worldly Glory
In the wilderness, the devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor in exchange for an act of worship. This temptation is aimed at Jesus’ eyes—the desire to possess all that is visually appealing, prestigious, and powerful. The enemy invites Jesus to seize a crown without a cross, an easier path that circumvents God’s redemptive plan. Jesus knows that true glory is not found in compromising with evil, but in obedience to the Father, even when it involves suffering. We, too, are tempted by shortcuts to success or happiness: the promise of recognition, financial gain, or influence if only we lower our standards. Yet Scripture calls us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). Real victory lies in worshiping God alone, surrendering all lesser treasures for the surpassing value of knowing Him. Let’s examine whether anything is captivating our gaze more than Jesus, and resolve not to substitute fleeting worldly glory for the eternal rewards God gives.
Key Takeaway
Be steadfast—godly glory comes by obedience, never by compromising worship.
Questions to Consider
- Where do you see the temptation to seek recognition or comfort taking your eyes off Christ?
- How can remembering Jesus’ refusal to compromise strengthen you today?
- What changes might you need to make to keep worship focused on God alone?
Week 5, Day 3:
Matthew 4:11 (ESV)
[11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
God’s Faithfulness in Temptation’s Aftermath
After the final temptation, Scripture records that the devil left Jesus, and angels came and ministered to Him. This moment is a profound reminder that God does not abandon us in our trials; He does not leave us to struggle alone in the wilderness. His faithful presence is with us, both during and after temptation. The temptation narrative ends not in defeat but in divine restoration—God cares for Jesus in His physical and spiritual weariness. Likewise, when we face spiritual battles, God provides strength and comfort to restore and renew us. He ministers through His Word, His Spirit, and sometimes through fellow believers. The journey through temptation can leave us feeling exhausted or discouraged, but God’s grace is sufficient to refresh and sustain us. Do not lose heart—when the enemy flees, God’s loving presence remains. Look for the ways God has comforted and restored you after difficult seasons.
Key Takeaway
God’s presence restores and strengthens us after trials—He never leaves us alone.
Questions to Consider
- How have you experienced God’s comfort and renewal after a spiritual battle?
- Where do you need to open yourself anew to God’s ministering presence?
- How might you be God’s instrument of comfort to someone else emerging from a trial?