“What Are You Full Of?”
March 8, 2025
Dear Families of Grace Members, Neighbors & Early Learning Center Families,
Be like Jesus and JUST SAY NO. Does that sound familiar? I wonder if that’s how we often hear this weekend’s story of the temptation in Luke 4: 1-13. I’m guessing most of us know the JUST SAY NO story or some variation of it. Maybe it’s what you were taught or have come to believe. It’s often a theme underlying Lent and a common approach for dealing with temptation in our lives. But, is temptation really that simple? I don’t think so. Our lives and faith are more than the sum of our choices. Our temptations are rarely a simple choice between this or that.
The story of Jesus entering into the wilderness tells a very different story about temptation. That becomes clear when we see what comes before and after this gospel. Jesus’s baptism is the story that comes right before today’s gospel. Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and his teaching in the Nazareth is the story following this gospel. So, let’s consider temptation, Jesus’ and our own, in light of that pattern; baptism, wilderness, public life and ministry.
Jesus went to the wilderness immediately after having been baptized (Luke 3:21-22). Remember what happened? The heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and the Father declared, “You are my Son with who I am well pleased.” The Father claimed and identified Jesus as his own, just as he does at each of our baptisms. And, then, after his baptism, Jesus entered the wilderness with those words echoing in his ears. His identity and relationship with the Father were a given before he even went in the wilderness or responded to the first temptation. Whether Jesus said YES or NO did not determine his sonship, his belovedness, or that God was well pleased. That was already a reality. Jesus could neither earn sonship or belovedness nor lose them, and neither do we. Jesus began to know himself to be filled with and led by the Spirit. The truth of his baptism and the truth of his Father’s words were confirmed through these temptations. That truth no longer echoed in his ears but deep in Jesus’ heart and being. Jesus’ identity was confirmed.
Temptations taught Jesus and they also have a way of teaching us about ourselves. That is to say, temptations is less about a choice of saying “yes” or “no” and more about our identity and direction in life. So, the question today becomes, what are you full of? What fills your life? What causes you to stumble and fall?
Regardless of what is going on within you, it’s not God’s final judgment of you or your grade on God’s final exam. We don’t pass or fail our temptations. We learn the “truth” about the “direction” our life is headed and “who we are becoming.” This Lent, with each temptation that comes our way, return to the truth of who you are – discover that you are a daughter or son of God with whom He is well pleased. And, as you come to this understanding, do not only contemplate giving something up for Lent, but take something on in your life that will bring you closer to God. You will discover a new way of being to live as beloved child of God.
As we enter this season of light, discover you are a beloved child with whom your God is well pleased. “Come home” this Lenten season and be part of this congregation that is filled with prayer, fun, laughter, and the love of Jesus! Experience the presence of Jesus in the Holy Sacrament. All come at Jesus’ invitation – young and old, the assured and the doubting, the wise and the foolish, and the in-between. All are welcome here! Come to the Feast!CONTACT INFORMATION:
Grace Lutheran Church
254 Curtiss Parkway
The Reverend David O. Guss, Ph.D.
Miami Springs FL 33166
Pastor – Grace Lutheran Church
305-888-2871
