A. Introduction: Today, on the first Sunday of Lent (the great Christian fast), we recall, and learn from the temptation of Christ in the wilderness at the outset of his public ministry.
N.B. Jesus overcame temptation in order to remain:
1. The spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of humanity, which entered the world with the Fall, when Adam and Eve were deceived by the crafty serpent of old.
2. The ministering Servant of Israel (Cf. Isaiah 49:1-12; 50:4-9; and 52:12 – 53:12) who would pass the test*that Israel failed and consequently spent 40 years wandering about in the wilderness.
* (Cf. Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. – Deuteronomy 8:2 Pew Bible p. 155)
B. The 3 Parallel Temptations of Israel from Psalm 106
(i) 14But they had a wanton craving (for food and water) in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; (NRSV Pew Bible p. 513)
(ii) 19 They (led by Aaron in Moses’ absence) made a calf at Horeb and worshipped a cast image(idol).
(iii) 33 for they made his (Moses) spirit bitter, and he spoke words that were rash.
C. Fr ISSA THALJIYEH’S, (Greek Orthodox) Message:
‘We should always to resist the devil's temptation to sin. In every day of our lives there are problems, persecutions and difficulties but just as Jesus Christ fasted forty days on the mountain, we too must know how to resist! Salvation is in the kingdom of heaven, but the devil is always trying to trap us, tempt us and keep us from looking forward and achieving the goal we desire.’… Just like Jesus we are to resist the devil’s subtle schemes and the temptation to sin by quoting and living out the holy scriptures.1 Jesus passed all three tests by quoting aloud and living by the following scriptures from the book of Deuteronomy:
- ‘Man shall not live by bread alone’2
- ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him’3
- 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’4
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1. Cf. 2 Timothy 3:14-16 (Paul’s advice to Timothy).
2. See Luke 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3 N.I.V.
3. See Luke 4:8 and Deuteronomy 6:13 NRSV
4. See Luke 4:12 and Deuteronomy 6:16 NRSV
