February 26, 2023. First Sunday in Lent. Year A.
In Luke’s version, Jesus is led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he is tempted. But in Matthew, the Spirit leads him there to be tempted. The transition recalls God’s purposeful testing of Abraham by the sacrifice of Isaac, and the corresponding question, “Can Abraham be trusted?” Likewise, what does this sequence of tests reveal about Jesus’ trustworthiness? At every turn, Jesus rejects temptation, and confirms not only his faithfulness as the Son of God, but his readiness to face the challenges to come. These tests also beg the question of how congregations discern temptation, and how such encounters shape or reinforce our character in times of trial.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis
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