The Temptation of Christ

One of my favorite Henri Nouwen texts is In the Name of Jesus, a book on Christian leadership drawn from Matthew’s temptation of Christ narrative. He writes that turning stones into bread was Jesus’ temptation to be relevant—based in a need to be needed. I would call it the temptation to offer a quick fix. How often does my wife share a concern with me, desiring that I affirm her or take the time to commiserate with her, and all I do is say, “Here, I can fix that for you. Done. There you go.”

Jesus’ second temptation was to be spectacular—the parallel temptation in our culture is to be popular. As pastors, we are often guilty of wearing masks and allowing ourselves to be placed on pedestals all in the quest for popularity. Rather than donning a superhero costume, Nouwen encourages us to regularly confess our weaknesses and be willing to ask forgiveness when required. The pride of being spectacular cannot coexist with the humility of asking forgiveness.

Christ’s third temptation was power. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world if he would only bow down to the devil. Nouwen writes: It is easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people… He likens this to the natural sequence of events in our lives where, as children, we are dressed, fed, and led around by our parents, but upon reaching adulthood we exercise authority over ourselves and those around us. One of the most difficult things for growing Christians is to grow from independence to dependence. We must learn to say, No, to self and, Yes, to God.

A more traditional approach to Matthew’s temptation narrative is comparing Jesus to Israel. The writer of Matthew is very clearly contrasting Jesus’ wilderness obedience with Israel’s wilderness disobedience.

• Christ was tempted as we are tempted
• Where Israel was disobedient, Christ was obedient
• The point is not for us to feel defeated. As the Hebrews passage reminds us, because of Christ's temptation, we can approach his throne with confidence to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need

1. When tempted - go to the throne of grace for help - your Advocate is waiting
2. When you resist temptation - give thanks to God for his indwelling and empowering Spirit
3. When you give in to temptation - thank God that he still loves you, confess your failure and ask him to help you be better prepared for the next time

Family Time

A couple weeks ago we took a late afternoon picnic lunch up to Ohiopyle. Everywhere we live we look for somewhere that can serve as a retreat from life's everyday pressures and where our souls and bodies can be refreshed. In Maryland we were only an hour from Gettysburg, PA and in Georgia we would visit Callaway Gardens or hike the Pine Mountain Trail in Roosevelt State Park right across the street.

This first picture is of some low hanging clouds en route to the park. On this particular day, PA reminded me of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains.

In Pennsylvania, our special place has been Ohiopyle, which is an old Indian name which translates as Falling Waters. Frank Lloyd Wright's famous home is just a few miles up the highway. Below is the Youghiogheny River (people around here just call it the Yough, pronounced Yawk). On this particular day it had rained most of the day, but the rain had pretty much stopped by 2 or 3 o'clock. We took a picnic lunch, found a picnic table under a shelter, and enjoyed some family time. These falls are the main attraction in the park, but there's so much more.

Below is a picture of the Yough River Trail Bridge. This wonderful bicycle trail runs from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, DC. It follows an abandoned rail right-of-way, so there aren't any strenuous grades. Between Connellsville and Ohiopyle there are four such bridges and some beautiful scenery.

Above Will is looking at the falls from an overlook. Below is the Yough River from High Bridge along the bike trail.

Condemnation or Comfort - Sunday Preview

This Sunday we're continuing our foray into Matthew's gospel with a look at chapter 4 -- the temptation narrative. Each of us knows temptation. We cling to the Hebrews passage: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Those words, written for our comfort, have often been twisted to beat us down. Jesus was tempted and he didn't cave in. You have no excuse for your failure. You're pathetic!

And yet we have the words of Paul: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... (Romans 8:1)

When we read the New Testament, we cannot lift one verse out and isolate it from the rest. We must interpret individual verses, keeping them in context with the rest of the book.

Our high priest sympathizes with our weaknesses; he doesn't condemn us. He is our advocate, not our accuser. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Because Christ has been tempted: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Jesus and the Baptizer

Matthew chapters 1-2 are all about telling us who Jesus is. The writer pulls out all the stops to show continuity between the Old Testament and Jesus--everything from a 42-generation pedigree to five prophecies fulfilled in Christ. And that word fulfilled is very important when we come to the third chapter.

Here Jesus comes to John to be baptized. There are multiple occasions listed in the gospels where the disciples argued about who was Jesus' favorite, reminiscent of the Smothers Brothers classic Mom always liked you best!

However, when Jesus came for baptism there was no vying for first place. ...John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fufill all righteousness."

There's that word fulfill. There is no Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah needing to be baptized, so what did Jesus mean? Douglas Hare (New Testament scholar from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) says we would understand this encounter better if we rendered it: It is required that you and I fulfill God's will by allowing me to be baptized. Hare asks the question: Why would Matthew regard it as God's will that the Messiah be baptized? [1]

Jesus was identifing with those he came to save. A few short years down the road Jesus would submit to the baptism of crucifixion, but here and now he was committing himself to his mission -- which Luke referred to in this way: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Luke 19:10) Unlike his disciples, Jesus was not on an ego trip. The Creator submitted to baptism leveling himself with those he came to save.

If Jesus thought it right and necessary to identify with those he came to save, shouldn't we the church also find a way to identify with those to whom we've been called to minister? Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians: We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

The question is not How can I save you? The question is How can I serve you? The question is never How important am I? but How important are you that Christ would pay the highest price to purchase your freedom?

If God loves you that much, then you're someone I'd really like to get to know.

[1] Douglas R. A. Hare, Matthew, "Interpretation-A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching" (Louisville: John Knox, 1993), 21.

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

Cynthia Ware posted this video on her blog The Digital Sanctuary. Watch the entire thing; it will be well worth your while. Blessings.

Mr Bean Goes to Church

There's a new Mr. Bean movie soon to be released. Even though I posted this several weeks ago, at that point I didn't know how to embed YouTube videos directly into my blog. All I could do was provide the link. I hope you enjoy.

The Gospel According to Matthew

This Sunday we're beginning a teaching series in Matthew's Gospel. We're going to save chapters 1 and 2 for Advent (that's only six weeks from this Sunday!), and begin with chapter 3. This is fitting, because chapter 3 deals with John the Baptizer and Jesus' baptism, and we're having a baptism celebration of our own. I'm still not sure how many are being baptized, but we've got 6 confirmed. Add these to the 12 who followed Christ in baptism last spring and we can rejoice in God's goodness to us.

Our Sunday teaching is titled The Identity of Christ. Granted, not the most imaginative sermon title I've ever heard, but it fits. The first three chapters of Matthew serve to answer the question, Who is Jesus? In aswering this question, we can also examine its companion, Who are we supposed to be?

Bless your brothers and sisters in Christ by being here for our baptism service this Sunday morning. This is an excellent tme to invite friends and relatives as we celebrate God's gift of new life and community. See you Sunday!

Fayette County Fallen Firefighters Memorial

I was very blessed to be included in the dedication service for Fayette County's new Fallen Firefighters Memorial on Sunday, October 14th. This incredible memorial was erected through volunteer help and paid for by private donations. It carries the name of six Fayette County, Pennsylvania firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, dating all the way back to 1901.

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Why was I invited to share the dedication prayer?

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A year ago our church invited Connellsville and Connellsville Township firefighters and our EMT's and Paramedics to a special worship service in their honor. We wanted to connect with these brave men and women, and simply say, "Thank you; we appreciate what you do." After that worship celebration we treated them to a wonderful roast beef dinner, and they really appreciated it.

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On that Sunday I shared from the pulpit how I started out as a junior (I always hated that title) firefighter with Brookside Volunteer Fire Company (near Erie, PA) when I was 16 years old. Through that experience I was chosen to attend EMT training. After my first stint in college, I went back to school to become a Paramedic and worked the streets for five years in Kansas City, Missouri and Topeka, Kansas. After more than 20 years on the sidelines, I still miss the rush and the cameraderie of the fire house.

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When the dedication service for the memorial was being planned, Assistant Chief Rob Leiberger of C'ville Township VFD remembered our kindness to their department and my history as a paramedic. He said,"Hey, we ought to ask Pastor Tim to pray the dedication prayer. He's kind of one of us." It was fantastic to be invited.

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I read two scriptures: John 3:16 and its companion 1 John 3:16. I've included those verses and my prayer below.

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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jn 3:16 - NIV)

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This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers [and sisters]. (1 Jn 3:16 - NIV)

Prayer:

Our God,

We come before you today, privileged and honored

to take part in the dedication of this memorial.

We thank you, this beautiful autumn afternoon,

for this moving tribute to fallen heroes,

for the tireless efforts of those who lobbied, recruited,

and raised funds to make this memorial possible,

and for those who have contributed financially

that we might stand here today.

* * *

You are our Creator,

and in your image we have been created.

The Bible teaches us that God is love,

and that the love of God is a sacrificial love.

Sacrifice goes against our natural inclinations,

and yet the sacrifice of these brave men

that has brought us together today

corroborates the Bible’s testimony

that we are indeed created in your image.

* * *

Not only do we thank you for the lives of these six men

who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others,

asking for your peace and your presence

in the lives of their family members;

we also give thanks for every Fayette County firefighter,

paid or volunteer,

who, regardless of risk to life and limb,

daily answers the call to service,

and for our protection.

* * *

We ask your provision and protection over these brave souls,

that their lives would be long and healthy,

that their hearts would be filled with courage,

as they run toward the dangers

from which others run away.

* * *

In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Unfortunately, common sense required the memorial to be designed with space for future names to be added. Dear God, please don't let that be necessary.

The Masked Evangel

My absolute favorite childhood hero was Zorro. The TV show lasted only two years, but it birthed around 80 episodes. Actually, I only remember the Saturday afternoon re-runs, because the original series was dropped before I reached my first birthday. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr may have been the original silent pictures Zorro (ca. 1920), but the all time best was Guy Williams from the 1950s television series (later to be Professor John Robinson of Lost in Space fame).

The show centered around Don Diego de la Vega, the unversity educated son of a rich 1820s California landowner. Returning home from college, Don Diego saw the plight of the oppressed and downtrodden, and set about to defend them from the evil Governor and all others who scrambled for wealth by climbing on the backs of the poor.

The only problem was that Don Diego felt the need to keep his identity a secret, hence his mask. By day he was a gentleman, though somewhat reserved and painfully inept in the art of swordplay (think of a Latino Clark Kent). By night, he donned the mask and cape of an outlaw, brandishing his rapier to defend the weak, and leave lovely senoritas weak in the knees.

Two years after Douglas Fairbanks thrilled silent pictures audiences as Zorro, a lesser known actor, Lester Cuneo, took up the roll of another hero who called himself The Masked Avenger. As an old west rancher pushed to the limit by cattle thieves, Cuneo rode the starlit prairies wearing the mask of a criminal to punish rustlers left unchallenged by inept and crooked lawmen.

Zorro and the Masked Avenger were not the first in this genre of hero without superhero powers, and they aren't the last either. The Shadow and Batman are cut from the same cloth. But before them all was the 1905 Scarlet Pimpernel. The Pimpernel was a fictional hero from the French Revolution. He is normally given credit as the first in the genre of superheroes.

Whether we’re talking about The Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro, or the Masked Avenger, they all have one thing in common. They were heroes disguised as criminals and forced to fight their battles in the cover of darkness.

What’s that have to do with blogging and the good news of Jesus Christ? Not a blessed thing. I just thought, as a play on words, The Masked Evangel was a pretty cool name for a blog. This is a new beginning for me, as far as blogging goes. Hence, the new name, the new look, and the new attitude.

Now that you've been introduced to The Masked Evangel, I hope you'll subscribe to the RSS feed and join me as we pursue life together.

Home Run from Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson has written a great post on Evotional.com. I highly recommend it.

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

Kansas City, Kansas City, Here I Come

Well, I fully intended to blog from our Kansas City trip, but had no Internet where we were staying, and it was too much trouble going somewhere else just for the purpose of blogging.

Sorry this picture is a little dark, but it was taken in the hallway of the Clarion Sports Complex Hotel (right across the highway from Royals Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium) about 11:00 p.m. last Saturday night. Janelle's niece Mandy was a beautiful bride. We're excited for her and Dustin.

The next picture is the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. It serves as a memorial for servicemen and women, and also houses the World War I Museum. It's an awesome presentation, and we all learned a lot about those war years and America's involvement.

This is Will communicating with some friends from McDonald's in Independence, MO. This computing age is something else with wireless availability even in McD's! Ben and Will were able to keep up on their schooling by getting online at the house of Janelle's sister Beth. As you can imagine, they were thrilled.

This is the Mississippi River from a St. Louis bridge on the way home.

We had to drive all day Sunday and Monday (no, we were not able to attend church Sunday) to make it to Punxsutawney for the Western Pennsylvania General Assembly Meeting, which began Monday night.