The Temptation of Jesus. In Advent? Pre-Christmas?

It doesn't make sense. This account - the temptation of Jesus - isn't the narrative we'd want to give our attention to during this time before Christmas. It seems like such a strange thing for us to consider.

In some ways, it is. It is not the normal reading or sermon topic in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and certainly not the Sunday before we celebrate that Festival. It's something that fits better at another time during the year.

But in another way, it isn't strange at all. Reading and studying this account helps us to have a fuller view of what is happening at Christmas. Yes, St. John reminds us that "the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the Devil's work" (1 John 3:8). This gives us a whole new vision for the birth of Jesus. When Jesus comes down to earth: This means war!

And it isn't strange in another way. We are constantly in the wilderness with the Devil hot on our heels. There is never a moment when the Devil lays off and leaves us alone. He is constantly on the prowl, seeking whom he may devour.

I suppose I am making a big deal out of the Devil and what he's up to in the life and ministry of Jesus, and ours too. But Mark doesn't. These days of temptation in Jesus' life only get two verses. We don't have any details about it at all. Mark basically says, "Yup. That happens." I wonder if that's because Mark realizes how small the Devil really is. Oh, sure. He knows that the Devil is powerful. That he is prowling and active and lying and deceiving. But Jesus owns him! He flicks him off like a fly off of his arm. He wipes him away like a fleck of dust on his suit. No big deal. The devil is Jesus' devil; he owns him.

We're going to dive head-first into spiritual warfare. We'll not only gain insight into one of the Devil's tricks, but we'll gain power from Jesus to take him on and, by the power of Jesus, take him down. We'll see you Sunday! Pastor Nate