Sermon 2023.02.26
I’d like to say something about who Jesus was, by talking about things he did not do, and then thinking about the things he said.
Jesus did not turn stones into bread.
Jesus did not fly like superman.
Jesus did not have any of the kingdoms of the earth under his control.
So what does it even mean for Jesus to be the Son of God if he did not exhibit that kind of power?
That is the question that the devil asked Jesus. So you are the Son of God. So what? What makes you any different than anybody else?
On the one hand we know that the acceptable thing to do in this situation is to condemn and criticize the devil. We might think or say, “How dare he tempt Jesus?”
On the other hand we might see in the devil the very same questions and doubts we all face. We might ask, “Why didn’t Jesus turn the stones into bread? Why didn’t Jesus fly like superman? Why don’t all of the kingdoms of the world bow down to Jesus?
It’s convenient to put these questions and doubts on the devil, so that then we do not have to appear to falter in our faith. For when we begin to really think about these questions we find that our doubts move beyond Jesus to even God.
Concerning the stones turning into bread we might ask, What kind of a God would create a world where little children die of hunger? What kind of a God would give us a free will and then let people hoard food and resources, acting like selfish monsters, and creating man made famines?
Concerning jumping off of the temple, we might ask, What kind of God would allow people to become so depressed and desperate that they would take their own life? Suicide is a leading cause of death in this country the United States of America. And some of the people in this country who are most at risk are veterans of the military. Men and women who answered the call to serve, and as a result of the things they were told to do and experienced have become so traumatized, that for many living their lives is unbearable. If you have thought about suicide, please don’t do it. We want you and need you around. Please call me, or call 988, we can try to find you help. Tomorrow needs you.
Concerning worshiping the devil and having all of the power of all of the kingdoms, we might ask, what kind of a God would allow wars to break out all throughout history oftentimes in the name of God, and in the name of Jesus?
Satan isn’t just tempting Jesus here, he is putting God on trial. It’s like he is saying, “Hey Jesus, if you are God’s son let me ask you some questions. If you know God so well, answer my questions. Why are there so many extremely poor and hungry people? Why are so many people who might have resources still mentally ill and depressed? Why do the nations kill each other in your name? Explain yourself!
Jesus does give an explanation to each troubling question. It would behoove us to think about just what the explanations are.
For the question of extreme poverty and hunger Jesus says, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Is that supposed to mean that if we have a blind faith in the Bible, and believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we will have food to eat, and someday live in paradise? I don’t know about that. Bread is a sign of God’s grace that God wants you to have no matter the sin you have committed.
For jumping off the temple Jesus says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Is that supposed to mean that if a person committs suicide they are rejecting God, and deserve eternal condemnation? I do not think so. Nothing can separate you from God’s love and forgiveness.
For the temptation to worship evil to gain power Jesus says, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Is that supposed to mean that the Christian nations will triumph over the non-Christian ones? No, it does not. No matter how small the power that you have, you have a fundamental right for self determination.
So what do these things mean? It means this.
All governments, nations, and kingdoms are just passing shadows and weeds that fade and wither as soon as they spring up. One only has to look at history to see that no kingdom or government lasts forever. Wishing and working for the power and control of kingdoms is a fool’s errand. God’s kingdom is not advanced by military, money, or media. God’s kingdom grows up organically and effortlessly, like a mighty cedar tree on a mountain.
Do not put the Lord your God to the test. What does it mean, in the face of despair and desperation? It means that we must take responsibility for our own mental and emotional well being. We are fools to expect God to rescue us from our problems. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or any kind of mental illness or emotional distress, you have to do your part to get better. Consider talk therapy, group therapy, 12 step programs, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, a careful diet, and thoughtful lifestyle choices. The funny thing about pastors going to psychologists is they end up counseling each other! Which is just fine.
Jesus said, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” What does this mean? It means exactly what it says. We do need bread! We are metaphysical animals. We have to eat to survive. But food isn’t enough. Air isn’t enough. Shelter and clothing aren’t enough. We need every word that comes from the mouth of God to survive. Criticizing someone when they are down is evil. What is God’s name? I am. So if you can say, “I am,” then you can speak for God. Do you understand the explosive power you have by being able to communicate? You can literally build up life or destroy it in yourself and others! A true sign of faith, maturity and sophistication is to choose to speak kindness and love to yourself and others especially in a time of need.
We never know just how fragile someone’s situation might be. We don’t know how close to the edge people are living. The words we speak have the power to save and give life! It’s not hard to do. The words we speak don’t need to be fancy or overly sentimental. Just saying “Hello” and “How are you?” to people is very powerful. It’s like that song Louis Armstrong sang,
“I see friends shaking hands saying, “How do you do?” They’re really saying, “I love you.””
Let us speak words of life to each other, let us speak God’s words.
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