A rabbi, two priests and a pastor confess to one another what they truly cannot resist, and the last confession turns out to be the most awkward of all. That story opens a reflection on the final petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6), read through Israel’s wilderness, the testing of Jesus, and words from Deuteronomy. The message leads all the way to Gethsemane, where the same Jesus asks that the cup pass from him, and shows that the Father’s discipline is never punishment without purpose. Listen if you want to know where to look for rescue in your hardest moments.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Matthew, right after the Father says, "This is my beloved Son" (3:17), the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. What does it tell you about God that love and testing stand so close together here?
- Jesus answers the devil with words from Deuteronomy, recalling Israel's 40 years in the wilderness. What did it mean for the Israelites that God was raising them as a father raises a son, to "do them good in the end"?
- The speaker distinguishes temptation, which comes from the devil, from testing, which God allows. How does that distinction change the way you see the difficulties you are facing right now?
- Temptations like gambling, alcohol or gossip are described in the sermon as shortcuts we take to feel better quickly. Which shortcut tempts you most often, and what does it really promise you?
- God tells Cain that he only needs to do what is right, because sin is crouching at the door like an animal. In what situations do you know what is right, yet still find it hard to do?
- In Gethsemane Jesus tells Peter, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." How can you practically watch and pray "deliver us from evil" this week in the area where you are most vulnerable?
