What Jesus Did! 'Spirit Led' — Luke 4:1-2

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Jesus returned from the Jordan River. He was full of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted Jesus for 40 days. Jesus ate nothing during that time. When those days were finished, Jesus was very hungry.
— Luke 4:1-2 NLT
Illustration of Luke 4:1-2 NLT — He was full of the Holy Spirit.

Key Thought

"The Devil is in the details." While the old saying is true, it is even "more true" that "the Devil tries to compromise anyone led by the Spirit." That is especially true early in a person's commitment. If the evil one can derail the early passion of a Christian when the presence of the Spirit is new and fresh, then he doesn't have to keep coming back to try to derail that believer. Just as Jesus overcame temptation and Satan by his commitment to honor God and by his knowledge of Scripture—as we will see in the following verses—we also must hear Luke's key point: The Holy Spirit empowered and led Jesus through these trials. In the book of Acts, the power of the early Christians was found in the power of the Holy Spirit who lived in them and worked through them. As disciples, Luke wants us to be like our great Teacher and follow his path to victory over Satan through the Holy Spirit.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God, as your child, I know your Spirit lives in me. Please empower me by your Spirit and help me resist the temptations of the Devil and to triumph over his attempts to dilute and to divert my loyalty and whole-hearted devotion to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:5-14
  • Galatians 5:19-25
  • Ephesians 5:15-21

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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