Pastor’s sermon is based on the Gospel reading of Matthew 4:1-11. Matthew wrote his gospel to a Jewish Christian community that was keenly aware of two major episodes within Israel’s history. These same two stories are being repeated in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The first is the story of the temptation of Adam and Eve. The second story is when Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Jesus resists the devil’s temptations. Matthew tells us that Jesus received his blessing and identity in his Baptism. Therefore, he is able to endure the wilderness and withstand the temptations hurled at him, because he knows that he is God’s beloved child. As we remember our own Baptism, the same can be true with us. Thanks be to God!
