Lent 1 C Christ’s Way

 Lent 1 C Christ’s Way
March 2, 2017
By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell


Would we all agree if I said…. that our mission as Christians is to bring willing people into a relationship with God? If we do agree… then the next question would be, “What would be the best way

to get that to happen?” What could the church offer that would catch people’s attention and lead them to a lasting commitment to God? Today’s Gospel lesson offers three temptations that can capture attention…but do not last. Jesus responded to all three…. 

One: Feed them! What did Jesus say when the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ If we were able to put on the town’s best pot-luck….would  that result in bigger and bigger crowds? Food works. What if we could turn stones into bread…. or pizza! We would have people queued up until the sun went down…and the moon came up. But, is that a good idea? Man does not live by bread alone, but by the words of faith, hope and encouragement that we are freely able to share with one another.

Example) Over the years, St. Paul’s youth program has always been in unofficial competition with the youth group of the Presbyterian church. One year I sent a delegation from St. Paul’s to see if we could learn anything about their success with youth. The one thing that our team was excited about was the fact that the Presbyterian youth had... a pop machine. No, we did not run out and buy a pop machine, because kids do not grow in love and confidence on pop and pizza alone. We eventually realized that our journey in God’s grace was not simply a shooting gallery of gimmicks.

Two: Offer power! The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and says, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.’”

Example) Look no further than politics today. Humankind’s most “go to” sin is self-centeredness. Now that I have the power, I will keep it for myself. I will guard it and protect it. And, I will never let anyone take it away from ME! Then we have to ask…will that ‘play for power’ lead people into a lasting relationship with a loving God? 

Three: Do something dramatic! The devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “it is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” This is the wrong idea about how to draw a crowd – Climb up to some highest point, and then…..JUMP! Then let the angels of the fire department catch you lest you dash your foot – or your head – against the stones? 

Example) I remember back in the Tetons; we found a challenging glacier on one of our day hikes. After much coaching, we gave ‘glissading’ (the act of intentionally sliding down a snow-covered glacier slope, typically done in a seated position with proper safety precautions like checking for crevasses) [photo above]. One by one we let gravity slide us down the mountain. It was a thrilling fast ride! Then we looked up and the next camper was coming down head-first…with his hands behind his head! The camper had our attention, but in the worst way. DO NOT put your God (or your friends) to the test! Gravity works…. every time!

Jesus is trying to show us a truth. It is not special treats, or spectacular tricks, or being in charge that will create bigger crowds and more kindness in the world. It will be the unearned, undeserved grace of our loving friend Jesus Christ. 

Worship the Lord your God and serve only him. 

Easy to say, but as we all know, it is not so easy to do. It is definitely not “three easy steps” to a fail-proof model of Christian life style. It is a way of faith that makes dealing with our human failings a way of hope. It is God’s way that lasts. 

This is our prayer: Dear Lord, come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save.

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