Sunday 09 March 2025 is the First Sunday in Lent.

Lent is the period of six weeks (40 days, not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Lent starts on what is known as Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. In 2025, the beginning of Lent is on Wednesday 05 March and its end on Thursday 17 April.

Today’s theme, as taken up by our Minister, Rev. Geoff McKee, revolves around the story of Jesus – shortly after his baptism – and his period of 40 days in the desert, being tempted by the Devil.

We had a technical problem with recording today’s service on video and so there are a couple of audio recordings here: one of the All-Age Talk; the other of the Sermon.

Today’s main reading from the Bible

Luke 4:1-13 (from The Message Bible Translation)
Tested by the Devil
4 1-2 Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

3 The Devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: “Since you’re God’s Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread.”

4 Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to really live.”

5-7 For the second test he led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once. Then the Devil said, “They’re yours in all their splendor to serve your pleasure. I’m in charge of them all and can turn them over to whomever I wish. Worship me and they’re yours, the whole works.”

8 Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

9-11 For the third test the Devil took him to Jerusalem and put him on top of the Temple. He said, “If you are God’s Son, jump. It’s written, isn’t it, that ‘he has placed you in the care of angels to protect you; they will catch you; you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone’?”

12 “Yes,” said Jesus, “and it’s also written, ‘Don’t you dare tempt the Lord your God.’”

13 That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.

Discussion of points in the all-age talk

The discussion dives into the heart of life’s toughest challenges, drawing parallels with Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. It highlights feelings of isolation that often accompany our daily struggles. We are encouraged to recognise God’s unfailing support during these trying times. We’re also urged to lend a helping hand to those who are facing their own trials, fostering a sense of community and compassion.

We note that:

• facing life’s challenges can instill feelings of helplessness, yet support from others and community can foster healing and growth.
• the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness illustrates the importance of enduring trials to strengthen faith and purpose.

Navigating Life’s Hardship and Change

Facing significant life challenges, such as receiving bad health news or experiencing loss, can create feelings of helplessness and fear. Individuals often struggle with the sudden changes that come with these circumstances, feeling as though their freedom has been stripped away. In these moments, it is common to reflect on the uncertainty of life and to realise that, even in the darkest of times, support from others can provide comfort.

The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging these struggles while seeking solace in communal bonds and the potential for growth through adversity.

Finding Strength in Temptation and Trial

The story of Jesus in the desert illustrates the profound lessons learned through times of trial and temptation. During his 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus faced physical and emotional extremes, yet this experience was pivotal in solidifying his mission. Geoff emphasises that these moments of hardship can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with God, as they compel individuals to lean into their faith. Encouraging the congregation to support those enduring similar challenges, Geoff promotes solidarity during hard times, reminding us of the strength found in community and reliance on divine love.

Recording of the all-age talk

The missing words at the strt are something like: “Life is hard for many people…”

Discussion of points in Geoff’s sermon

Geoff analyses Luke’s account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, showcasing his unwavering faith amid trials. He contrasts the allure of temptation with the pursuit of true freedom. Personal struggles are explored through the lens of the Israelites’ 40-year journey, emphasising resilience and hope. Geoff highlights the importance of moral choices, offering insight into navigating life’s challenges and finding faith in adversity.

It can be argued that:

• Jesus’ successful resistance to temptation illustrates the importance of adhering to God’s true calling, for authentic freedom.
• The metaphor of the story of the poisonous cave highlights how deceptive temptations can lead individuals into unhealthy pursuits, mirroring life’s “wilderness” moments.

Understanding Temptation in the Life of Jesus

The account of Jesus’ temptation reveals the profound internal conflict he faced while remaining steadfast in his mission. The temptations presented by the devil were disguised as opportunities to fulfil the mission of feeding the hungry, administering justice, and embodying reliance on God’s power. However, these offers were ultimately a perversion of his true calling, tempting him to stray from God’s path.

The significance of Jesus successfully resisting these temptations underscores the essence of choosing God’s way, which offers true freedom rather than the enslavement that succumbing to temptation brings.

The Illusion of Temptation and the Wilderness Experience

The allure of temptation is often deceptive, presenting attractive choices that can lead to destructive outcomes, much like the inviting yet poisonous cave in Mexico. This metaphor illustrates how opportunities can seem beneficial at first glance but may actually bind individuals in unhealthy pursuits. Many experience wilderness moments in their lives, analogous to the Israelites wandering for 40 years, where progress feels elusive and burdensome.

Despite these challenges, having faith in God’s guidance offers hope and assurance that we can emerge from such trials, as demonstrated by Jesus’s triumph over temptation.