Feb. 18, 2024

“The One Who Remains Faithful”

Vicar Dylan Meyer

First Sunday in Lent

             Trial and temptation—these are two things that are unavoidable within our sinful world. We are born into this as humans. We are constantly afflicted by it. And we know from God’s Word that we are tempted in many ways from three significant sources: from Satan (who is the Evil One and first Tempter), from the world, and from our own flesh. As we begin this Season of Lent, it could not be more appropriate for us to remind ourselves of how much we are constantly tempted and how often we experience trials. But from God’s Word, we receive comfort as well—because throughout the many narratives of Scripture, we hear of many individuals who are tempted that are comforted by our LORD God’s steadfast love and grace! And we are also reminded that God—even though we are constantly unfaithful—HE REMAINS FAITHFUL and cannot be tempted/tested! In Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, after all, Satan tests Jesus three times—but Jesus remains faithful (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13)! He responds with the Word of God—His Father’s will! Jesus lived a perfect life, which is something that you and I will never accomplish (and that can be discouraging). But we are encouraged by James to persevere. For “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial” because God has promised to those who love Him “the crown of life” (James 1:12).

 Questions:

1. In what ways are we tempted each and every day?
2. How does Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness show us how we can respond to temptation in our own lives?
3. Does God tempt us?