The First Temptation - "Command that these stones be made bread." by William Blake

The wilderness serves as the landscape where the practices of fasting and discernment can occur - listening for the calling within and preparing to respond. Jesus is ushered into this place by the Holy Spirit as a guide and accompaniment. This wilderness is also something of an inversion to the second creation account when temptation arrives for the first time. One story begins with a landscape of abundance; the other with a barren terrain. And while the transformation of the world and remaking of Eden is an idea dwelling within the faithful imagination, Christ’s resistance of temptation to take control of the elements and transform it all shows us the way.

The use of the figures within the gospel helps us to see the image more clearly: the Spirit leads us into the wilderness to find our place within it - to allow the landscape to be and come to love it and revere it; the devil brings the landscape to us and tells us we can change it to meet our needs - creature comforts and all. There’s something wise and humble about Christ’s response to this temptation that invites us to approach our world that honors the place and belonging of all members (beginning with the stones). The stones are not a means to satisfy one’s hunger or a foundation for one’s kingdom, but a beloved part of the world that the Spirit guides us to come and see and love as they are. Opposite this way of love is the temptation and force of dominion that would view all the world as "up for the taking” to be used, exploited, and consumed for every human hunger imaginable - the temptation begins with stones and only grows from there.

This first temptation is about how we may inhabit the world when the world is less than perfect - if we can sustain some discomfort and restrain our power and will, and even come to honor and love that portion of the world that does not satisfy our personal hunger, or if we will cite the harsh landscape as reason enough to take, use, and transform the world to meet our needs without regard for anything or anyone else. The latter is a path that not only ensures scarcity but fosters a world shaped by power; the former has the ability to lead us toward a just and peaceful home, community, and world.

These temptations are about power and control. The wisdom of Christ seems to show us that regardless of the condition of the world - perfect or flawed - understanding how to use our power and understanding where our power must end is beneficial in not only keeping one faithful and true to God, but essential in working together with God’s children to co-create a community and world that is graced with abundance and worthy of us all.

So where do we begin in God’s calling to mend and heal the world? It would seem that we start with the practice of loving rocks. This love and the Spirit (if they are any different) will guide us from there.

Peace,

Rev. Chris McCreight

Transcript and Video of the Sermon, “Crunchy.”

This Sundays scripture: Matthew 4: 5 - 7

Save the Date: A Special Concert on April 11 @ 6pm

Sarah Park will be gathering with friends to offer a concert that will raise funds and collections for a local food bank.