Through the Year with The Urantia Book: Week 15 of Year 5 "Forty Days"

For adult study: "Forty Days"

The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, titled Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.

Paper 136:3
The Urantia Book

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness

Students may read Paper 136:3.1-2 or entire section

After Jesus was baptized, he immediately went into the wilderness for forty days. Jesus needed to pray, think, and make important decisions before he began his ministry. During the forty days, Matthew’s gospel says that Satan tried to tempt Jesus to turn stones into bread and to perform a risky act. In addition, he tried to tempt Jesus with the glory of worldly kingdoms. But Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”

Discussion Questions

Jesus never used his great power for selfish reasons. In everything, Jesus sought to do the will of his heavenly Father. Talk about each of the temptations from Matthew’s gospel. Why would Jesus refuse to use his power in that way?

For Teachers

Procedure for using the PDF handouts with children

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Additional reading:

Paper 136:9.9-11

These three paragraphs allude to the temptations that appear in the New Testament reading. It should be noted that Paper 136 contains many other references to the temptations.

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Re: Will of God

134:8.8 To all the Lucifer-suggested compromises and makeshifts, to all such specious proposals about the incarnation bestowal, Jesus only made reply, “The will of my Father in Paradise be done.”

136:2.4 ... And while the four of them tarried in the water, Jesus, looking up to the near-by Adjuster, prayed: “My Father who reigns in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come! Your will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.” ...

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Matthew 4:1-11

New Testament reference

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Treasure-House of the Living Religions

Chapter 5—Invocations and Calls to Worship—p.19

Serve thou God. Be sincere in thy worship.

Is not a sincere worship due to God! (Hinduism)

Seek the pleasure of the Wise One

With thought, words and actions

Gladly unto His praise.

And seek His worship,