Scripture – Matthew 4:1-11 NRSVUE
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’ ”
11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
From Rev. Heather Leffler
Like athletes preparing for the Olympic Games, Jesus followed the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested and strengthened for what lay ahead. He knew that turning stones into bread or throwing himself from the temple into the arms of angels would win him instant attention, but only fleeting loyalty. Spectacle cannot sustain faith. He understood as well that power seized through politics or force would always be temporary. What would carry him through encounters with the scribes and Pharisees, Peter’s plea to avoid the cross, the anguish of Gethsemane, the injustice of trial, and even death itself was the deep trust that God’s way is different. God’s way is love – a love that builds community, seeks justice, and makes room for all. Lasting security is not found in control, but in belonging; not in exclusion, but in ensuring that everyone has enough.
Temptation is rarely about obvious evil. More often it is the quiet pull toward what is easiest, safest, or most self-protective instead of what is most loving. In a world where children go to school hungry, where many live with fear and uncertainty, and where greed can overshadow compassion, Christ shows us another way. In 2025 our congregations raised $41,000 for our partners and, with the remaining Children of Bukati funds, shared a total of $47,142 – much of it directed toward hunger relief and food security. This is what it looks like to resist the temptation to turn inward. This is what it means to trust that our security is not diminished when we share – it is deepened, strengthened, and multiplied.
Contemplation and Conversation
Where might God be inviting me to choose love over security?
Prayer
God of the wilderness and the promised land, meet us in our testing and in our promise.
When the path feels uncertain or costly, steady our hearts.
Help us trust that you travel with us, and give us courage to choose love over fear. Amen.
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