Christmas with Compassion | Day 22
Day 22 -Tuesday, December 31
Read Luke 4:1-16
Highlight
Luke presents the same story as Matthew. Two other stories come to mind when reading about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. First is that of Adam and Eve. Jesus is visited by the same devil and told the same lies. Yet, Jesus fulfilled what they could not. He stands firm in His relationship with God and does not give in to temptation. Second, the Bible likes the number 40 - whether it is days or years, it is a number we see often. Here Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness. It is by no means 40 years, but it does represent that same time frame of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. They continuously gave in to temptations around them, yet Jesus fulfilled the wandering. He is the only one who can right all the wrongs that are found in the Old Testament.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan, we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone who has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Luke 4:1-16
Highlight
Luke presents the same story as Matthew. Two other stories come to mind when reading about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. First is that of Adam and Eve. Jesus is visited by the same devil and told the same lies. Yet, Jesus fulfilled what they could not. He stands firm in His relationship with God and does not give in to temptation. Second, the Bible likes the number 40 - whether it is days or years, it is a number we see often. Here Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness. It is by no means 40 years, but it does represent that same time frame of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. They continuously gave in to temptations around them, yet Jesus fulfilled the wandering. He is the only one who can right all the wrongs that are found in the Old Testament.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan, we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone who has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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