Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew in the Margins…Lent 1…2017  

Matthew’s ‘led by the Spirit’ approach sounds almost ‘liturgical’, whereas MK’s vigorous ‘the Spirit drives Jesus out…’ is unceremonious! Both angles may be helpful as we prepare for preaching. Life’s deserts or wildernesses can still be seen through different eyes, mean different things to different people. Have different outcomes. An old Tuareg saying has it: ‘God created countries full of water so that people can live there, and deserts so that they can find their souls’. Interesting take on two recurring biblical imageries! 

I discern Jesus’ ‘temptations’ in terms of being ‘tried’, or ‘tested’ , both more positive than ‘tempted’. Living needs to be positive. Preaching needs to be positive. Different shades of meaning cry out for positive exploring.

This formative ‘moment’ in Jesus’ life lends itself to imaginative handling. Creative imagination doesn’t get on the usual lists of ‘spiritual gifts’, but it’s on mine. It was among Jesus’ gifts too, as many of the insights He shares with us during His ministry illustrate.          

Our son, Andrew, once preached¹ ‘the desert is not a place of peace, but a place of truth’. I commend that insight to you. Today many of us set out into our physical wildernesses to enjoy the peace & quiet, & there’s not a thing wrong with that. But wilderness here in MT symbolises grasping an opportunity to discover & appreciate more deeply the Truth. About God, ourselves, others, the world. It represents stages in our spiritual journey where we make space in which to discern God’s Truth; the Truth Jesus is, more deeply. As Jesus Himself finds that Truth though it be through turmoil of His soul in this episode.

Three times the devil, however we understand that term, uses the word ‘if’. The little word that sows doubt in human hearts, from the days of Eden. But there are no ‘if’s about God! Testing times are times to hold fast to God’s unfailing presence & trustworthiness as Energy: light & life & love. Jesus proves this, & Himself, as He wrestles with a humanity trying to take devilish shape in Him.

The angels may have appeared ‘suddenly’ but they are always there, if unseen till that moment! Angels are great companions through thick & thin! That’s certainly my experience.  

¹ S.James, Porter Square, Cambridge, MA, 2002