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Rev. Marlene Notes:

In this week’s portion of scripture from Matthew 4:1-11, Christ finds himself in the wilderness. This seems like an odd place for him to go until we read that, “he was led there by the Spirit.” So, he goes under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Once there, he enters into a rabbinical-type discussion with the devil in which they argue by exchanging quotes of scripture. Spoiler alert—Christ wins!

Matthew tells us that Jesus was fasting at the time. Fasting traditionally has been understood to be a way of moving more deeply into prayer and preparing oneself for significant life transitions. Christ was being tested before entering into his ministry.

After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry and three tests are set before him. (1) “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Next, the devil takes him to the highest point of the temple and says (2) “If you are the Son of God throw yourself down.” And lastly, the devil shows Christ all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor and promises that (3) “All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.” As a whole, these temptations are tests of Jesus’ willingness, as the Son of God, to rely on God alone for nourishment, protection and safety.

How would we respond to tests like these; situations that threaten our food security, or which are a danger to our physical or ethical well-being?  How do we respond to situations that are testing us now? These are questions to consider as we begin the Lenten journey.

Rev. Marlene