Discipling Life

As we approach the first Sunday of Lent, we turn to this Sunday’s Gospel lesson: the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles we face in our own lives. Matthew 4:1-11 describes how, after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. As this story unfolds, we see the character of the Christ who is God’s chosen to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. Reflecting on Jesus’ experience may provide insights into our own faith journey. The Wilderness Experience The wilderness is often portrayed in Scripture as a place of testing and transformation. It is also associated with the number 40 [ read more here ]. In Matthew 4:1, we read, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” This leading by the Spirit underscores the necessity of finding that quiet time for reflection in our lives, especially during Lent. It is in the quiet, and often uncomfortable, places...

(Reflecting on Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7) This Lent, we journey into the wilderness, seeking repentance and renewal. Yet, to understand our need for a Savior, we must return to the very beginning, to a garden where humanity’s relationship with God took a tragic turn. Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7 offer profound insights into the human condition we still grapple with today. God’s Good Design and Gracious Boundary (Gen 2:15-17) “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’“ (NRSVue) Notice the abundance! God places humanity in a paradise of provision, entrusting us with purposeful work (“till and keep”). Within this goodness, God establishes one clear boundary. This wasn’t arbitrary restriction, but a loving safeguard, defining the space for trust ...

Drawing from Book of Amos , Epistle to the Colossians , and the story of Martha and Mary in Gospel of Luke , this sermon emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God’s priorities in the present moment rather than becoming distracted by anxiety, status, rituals, or worldly concerns. Martha’s mistake was not her service—Christian faith calls believers to active love and service ( diakonia )—but that her distractions kept her from recognizing the sacred moment of being with Christ. Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42   EUMC & BCUMC, July 20, 2025, Proper 11c Good morning... An important theme in today's texts is Staying Focused on Priorities – Staying Focused on the Moment. Today's Gospel text – the story about Martha and Mary – is often unfairly and incorrectly used to say devotion to Christ is more important than service. That's not what's happening here. Jesus values service and action – remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan that comes r...