Also in Jericho, we pass by the Mount of Temptation. This is the desert where Jesus fasted for forty days before beginning His public ministry. Perhaps the highest point in this photo is where Satan took Jesus for the third temptation.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Then the devil took him to the holy city [Jerusalem] and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matt. 4:1-11)

Return to the above photo and take a closer look at the desert where Jesus stayed during this ordeal. Click on the mountain!

The desert mountain is filled with caves such as these. Imagine Jesus taking shelter here.

My Lord Jesus, give me shelter from temptations. I want victory over the ways of the world. Help me to let go of my attachments to possessions and comfort and wanting everything to come the easy way. I want to accept what is difficult in order to grow in trust of the Father and to rely more on You and to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit ~ and thus will I be purified. Amen!

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