Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 50; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
From Genesis we have the second and probably older description of the creation of humanity. This expresses the truth that God made us as “living beings”, dying without God’s breath. In deciding to eat the forbidden fruit, man does “become like God” in being able to make choices, but without the wisdom needed to choose well. Perhaps a simile of a child’s growing self-awareness. The mischievous serpent later came to be interpreted as Satan.
In his letter to the Romans Paul has been arguing that righteousness comes through faith, not through the Law given to Moses, which identifies sin but cannot save us from death, its consequence. Wisdom comes through the free gift of grace, obtained for us by Jesus Christ, whose obedience to his Father overcame death.
In Matthew’s gospel the devil introduces each temptation with the words: “If you are the Son of God”. The temptations explore what can it mean for Jesus to be “Son of God”? Does it mean he is a miracle-worker, able to satisfy all desires without effort? Is it about showy displays of power in which we try to make God do what we want, in return for our belief in him? Jesus shows his real power by dismissing Satan. Jesus will rule over all creation, but only through the Cross.
Psalm Response: Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.
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