Today is the First Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading is Matthew’s account of Jesus spending a period of forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. Both Matthew and Luke describe three of the temptations that Jesus experienced. Each of these three temptations challenges Jesus to adopt a model of Messiahship which would win power and wide public appeal, and not lead to the inevitable cross on Good Friday. Matthew and Luke agree in placing first the temptation to turn stone into bread. A Messiah who could turn stone into bread would be guaranteed a following. Jesus firmly rejects this approach.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of magician’s hat. In today’s picture from his book, Do and Tell, Teddy Horsley has gone shopping to find a magician’s hat. He wonders whether this one will do?

Lord Jesus Christ,

you taught your followers

that we do not live by bread alone.

Help us to make the right choices

and to value the right things in life,

that our lives may be pleasing to you;

now and always.

Amen.

Next Sunday is the Second Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading is John’s account of the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is serpent. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Education Resources