The Temptation of Christ
Most of us are very familiar with the story of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert. But have you wondered why Satan chose those particular three temptations? Compare them to Adam’s temptations, where he was tempted with the knowledge of good and evil. Knowledge that he believed would make him be like God. However, the temptations of Christ seem somewhat simple on the surface – like turning a stone into bread. Those temptations though were important because they go straight to the question of, “Where do we put our trust?”
Do we trust in the bread of this world, or is it the bread of life? Do we trust God to be good to us, or do we needlessly put ourselves at risk to prove that He loves us? Do we trust God enough to serve Him quietly, without pomp or circumstance?
Today we hear Luther’s sermon on these temptations of Christ and the Gospel reading is from Mark 1,
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
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Announcements
Lenten Season – February 17th begins our Lenten season. The Wednesday evening services will be posted online.
Voters Meeting – The next meeting is set for March 3 at 3:00pm via Zoom. Please contact Pastor or Sean for a Zoom link if needed.
NEW Bible Information Class Starting: All are welcome to join – whether it’s your first time or a refresher – we will meet starting on February 7 at 9:30 am. Please let Pastor know ahead of time if you plan to attend.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.