• Matthew 4:1-11 is a well-known story of Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. He is led into the wilderness (the desert) by the Holy Spirit, where he then fasts for 40 days. Spending 40 days in the wilderness is a common theme throughout the Bible.


  • On Sunday, at church, we talked about the Israelites learning to live a free life -- free from slavery, free from the injustices and unnecessary rules that had made life difficult for them in Egypt. We talked about how difficult that transition must have been for them -- to enter into a new land where you know nothing. You must start all over again!


  • The Gospel text from this last week (Matthew 17:1-9) appears a bit odd and confusing. Jesus takes three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a high mountain. Then Moses and Elijah show up.