CORINTH

Sermon Notes

“Lead Me Not Into…What?”

February 22, 2026

 

(Psalm 32, Matthew 4:1-11)

     Today is the first Sunday of Lent.  Our 40 day journey includes this past Wednesday evening’s Ash Wednesday service.  Along the way we will encounter Holy Week which will include Palm Sunday, Maundy-Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter services.  Today we cover the topic of temptation, which is featured in our gospel reading.

     Remember the classic TV commercial “Lays potato chips-nobody can eat just one!”  The commercial featured Bert Lahr (famous for his role as the lion in the Wizard of Oz.)  In the commercial, Bert fails to temptation, snatching the bag of chips from the deviled costumed character.   What if we could change the words to “Lays potato chips-nobody can eat just one…unless you have an example to follow!”  When it comes to temptation, we find Jesus as our model today.

     Recall Jesus is tempted in 3 ways, a) turning stones to bread, b) throwing himself down a cliff, c) worshipping the devil to gain kingdoms.  How does Jesus respond to these temptations?  He doesn’t get into an argument, doesn’t come up with something on his own.  Instead, he quotes from scripture to knock away each temptation.  His relationship with his Father-God, his knowledge of scripture enables him to withstand the temptations he faces.  For us, it’s not just quoting scripture that brings strength during temptations, it’s having a relationship with God that reminds us there is something better. 

     But what if we fail?  That’s where our psalm reading comes in.  This is a psalm of celebration, words from David.  He has failed a temptation (the Bathsheba experience.)  Nathan the prophet has confronted him, David confesses.  Asking for forgiveness, receiving forgiveness, David rejoices at God’s great love and grace, leading him to reconciliation. 

     It’s Lent!  We learn today that we are not alone when tempted; we have relationship and instruction from our heavenly parent.  And, when failure comes, it’s best to own it, confess it, recognizing the one who can deliver and heal us.  What a gift!