Fasting & Praying GuideExemple

The second temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness was the temptation to test God through His own autonomy. Satan takes Him to the highest point in the temple of Jerusalem and tells Him to throw Himself off in order to confirm His identity as God’s Son. Satan even quotes Psalm 91:11–12 to give the appearance of scriptural support for his temptation. Jesus recognized the temptation for what it was. It was an attempt to seize autonomy and force God to support His own endeavors. It was a way of testing God. Jesus knew this, so He quoted back to Satan the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:16: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Reflection: Introspection is difficult because of self-imposed barriers, fasting pulls them down to reveal our true selves. Has God shown you anything new about yourself after this week of fasting?