As we begin our Lenten journey, we start as we do each year with the temptation story of Jesus. In this story from Luke, we are invited to join Jesus in his forty days in the wilderness where he is tempted by the devil and his identity and purpose are challenged. The devil offers a storyline of self-indulgence (make yourself bread from stones), self-aggrandizement (all the nations of the world will belong to you if you worship me), and self-serving religious identity (if you are the son of God cast yourself from the top of the temple). Meanwhile, Jesus responds with quotations drawn from the Old Testament that show awareness of the true source of life and identity (he knows that life is more than food), his reliance on God (the one worthy of true worship and service), and his understanding of God’s character (not one to be tested). Jesus’ responses are rooted in an underlying narrative that he is dependent on God rather than self for life, glory, and identity.

Dig Deeper:

How does this understanding of our dependence on God help you with your identity and source of life?

Speaker: Pastor Mike Sager

March 8, 2025

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