Mark 1:9-15 (Jesus tempted in the wilderness.)

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

The season of Lent stretches between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Sundays are not included in the count, but the other forty days are a time when traditionally Christians apply themselves more vigorously to the demands of their faith. Lent gets it character from the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness immediately after his baptism and before his public ministry. Mark is brief in his gospel comments but the other gospel writers tell us of Jesus fasting and praying during his time in the desert. This is why we are invited to consider the discipline of self-denial and to take up more opportunities for Bible Study and Prayer. Our acts of self-denial normally include giving up some items of food and drink, and giving the money saved to a good cause. I encourage you to enter into the spirit of Lent.

As well as fasting and praying we are told that Jesus was tempted by the devil. Three peculiar temptations came his way which he resisted. In contrast we remember the witty comment of Oscar Wilde, ‘I can resist anything but temptation.’ What is your experience of temptation? 

Temptation is often seen as a negative experience – something that tests our beliefs and disciplines. Giving in to temptation is usually seen as a sign of weakness. But what about good temptations? What about those moments when we have felt a strong urge to do something brave but have bottled it? The weakness on these occasions may have been our lack of confidence or fear of ridicule. It is not always easy to step out of line and say or do something that others might not be expecting of us. Temptation might come to challenge our conformity, daring us to be different. The sun shone the other day and I was tempted to do some gardening. I resisted the temptation. Was that wise? Was the decision based on horticultural experience warning me that it’s too early to prune the shrubs? Or was it laziness that found an excuse for me to stay indoors? 

Temptation is such a loaded word. Every time I mention it I can hear the hiss of a serpent in the background! But here’s a thought: Maybe a good Lenten discipline would be to give in to temptation. The next time you feel a strong urge to speak your mind or to try something new, then don’t fear ridicule but rather have the confidence to step out of your comfort zone. Ok, double-check your motives. Maybe confide in a wise and understanding friend. Say a prayer. But dare to have a go. Dare to live. Rise to the challenge of your ambitions. Seek out your destiny! Jesus did. Happy Lent.