Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

The reality of life is that our identity is always being influenced by the world around us. Whether we know it or not, we’re constantly being convinced to believe things about who we are and who we should be by many voices around (and even within) us. Think about it this way: how would you gauge success and significance in your own life? And how was that standard and understanding of success and significance formed? It had to have been formed and influenced by the world around you.

In this passage in Matthew 4, we get to read about a moment when Jesus’s identity was being influenced by the devil himself. “If you are the Son of God…” (vv. 3, 6) are the words that the devil uses to try and get Jesus to doubt who he was and who God had already proclaimed him to be in Matt. 3:17 (“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”). Yet, the beauty of this passage is that Jesus shows us what it looks like when a person knows and believes in God’s words over every other voice. Jesus refuses to allow his identity to be shaped and formed by the words and wisdom of the world. Instead, he rests in his own identity which is shaped and formed by the words and truth of God.

As we start our 21-day fast, consider what your life and identity would be if God’s words spoke louder than every other influencing voice. What are the voices that have an influence on who you are and the things you’re chasing after in life? And what habits and disciplines can you start to develop so that you would prioritize and internalize God’s truth in your life?