1. Is it on loan? 3-20-11

2. So what is Lent all about? • The 40 days leading up to the crucifixion of the Savior • Set aside as a season of preparation for believers • The church required prayer, repentance, alms, and self denial • We can learn something from that….

3. Matthew 4:1-11

4. Note the progression • Jesus is baptized by John and His public ministry is now revealed • Temptation and trial comes, the enemy throws everything he can at Jesus • He begins to preach and call people to a relationship with Him

5. Note the temptations • Verse 3 – Meet the needs of your flesh, command that these stones become bread • Jesus response – This is way bigger than bread! • Deut 8:1-20 • He smacked the enemy right in the face with God’s promises to His chosen people

6. The next temptation • If you are really the Messiah, throw yourself down and prove it to me • Jesus response – There is a path I need to follow to destroy you…and I’m on it! • Deut 6:1-19 (focus on 16-19)

7. The last temptation • All these things are mine, and I’ll give them all to you, all you have to do is worship me • Jesus response – Are you not listening???? Let me remind you what I just said! • Deut 6:13 • Do you think He may have been asking the devil to repent?

8. The biggest guns of the enemy • Physical desire • Honor of your name and who you are • Power

9. The rest of the story • When was the next time they met face to face? • When He kicked down the gates of Sheol and took back the keys to eternal life • Ephesians 4:9 • 1 Peter 3:19 • Revelations 1:18

10. The meaning behind Lent • It is a man made observation of the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness • It is to serve as a reminder of His suffering, overcoming all temptations, and a focused time of remembrance of His sacrifice for our lives • Then what?