(Sermon preached February 26, 2023) The story of the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) invites us to think about how temptation functions in our own lives. In this sermon, I turn to the writings of Evagrius Ponticus and his “Eight Bad Thoughts,” and then I add one of my own. Understanding how temptation is at work in our lives can help us to address it before it becomes sin.
Six Days
The loudest words we hear in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) are, “Listen to him!” This story happens after the disciples struggle to hear what Jesus is saying about being arrested and killed in Jerusalem and the cost of discipleship. Sometimes, like the disciples, we have a hard time listening to Jesus. When is that for you?