The reading for this week is a parallel version of the one used at a similar time at the start of the Lenten season last year - see "How is the temptation relevant to us today?" I don't therefore plan to revisit the finer detail of the actual temptation.
In looking over this similar version of the temptation from Matthew's Gospel, perhaps not surprisingly, a completely different thread of thinking crossed my mind. (That's the fascinating thing about God's Word isn't it ... we have to be ready for surprises and to expect the unexpected even when we re-read something that we may have encountered many times previously.)
I want to focus my thoughts on the opening two verses:
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit ..." This stands out as being a very intentional event, with the Spirit clearly in control. This was not just some random happening. Jesus did not simply casually stroll off into the desert as part of normal proceedings at the time. We get the impression that this whole scene was clearly a predetermined part of the plan.
"After fasting 40 days and 40 nights ..." I probably would normally have just passed this off as - yep... there goes the old 40 theme again, but in hunting around for some different insights on "the temptation" I came across a sermon by Martin Luther from 1525 on this text! The "40" connection to the Old Testament is more than coincidental. In particular Moses fasted for 40 days (Exodus 34:28) when he received the Law. Is not Jesus saying to the world ... "I am the new Law"? I like that!
But what's all this Lent stuff about anyway? Luther was obviously trying to sort out some misconceptions amongst his parishioners back in 1525. He opens his address as follows:
"This Gospel is read today at the beginning of Lent in order to picture before Christians the example of Christ, that they may rightly observe Lent, which has become mere mockery ..."
" ...worst of all is that we have adopted and practiced fasting as a good work"
The Christian church has variously taken up the idea of giving up something for Lent. Why would we want to do that? To be honest, I'm not sure. We know that we do not somehow magically earn some points with God through fasting or other similar acts of denying ourselves certain food, drink or involvement in activities. It seems Luther was questioning this very same thing nearly 500 years ago, yet this age old practice has been retained by many Christians.
I suppose the bottom line and the defining question is ... "Does whatever we do in relation to any observance of Lent help us to focus on Jesus?" ... and if for someone out there that happens by giving up alcohol for Lent ... then go for it ... but I must say on this rainy day here in South Australia I'm looking forward to sitting back and finding God in a nice glass of Barossa Shiraz with my evening meal!
Nev
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