Pr. DFD

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Friday prior to Lent 1

Luke 4:1–13—What arrogance! The devil tries to tempt the Son of God! As in the Garden of Eden, when he tempted the first humans into following him in sinning against God, he quotes the Word of God. But the One whom he tries to deceive this time is not just a man; He is also God Almighty Himself, the Word made flesh. Jesus knows how the devil likes to twist God’s Word for his own nefarious purposes, and overcomes all the devils schemes and cunning. Jesus does what we are unable to do, on our behalf. He defeats the devil in the test in the wilderness, and will later defeat him completely at the cross.

There are three temptations.

1. The fist is to doubt the goodness of God.

A. Temptation comes to the Savior in His hunger after His 40 day fast.

B. Temptation comes to us in periods of testing; pain, family problems, bereavement. We might ask, “Why isn’t God doing something about this?”

2. The Second is a temptation to the glitter of this world.

A. For Jesus there is a price; “Worship me, (and) it shall be yours!” v.7

B. There is a price also for us; a sacrifice of principle, eyes taken from eternal truth.

3. The third urges presumptuous behavior; tempting God.

A. Satan asks Jesus to jump from the temple.

B. Satan says to us, “There is no danger. Skip the medicine; join the crowd. You don’t need church every Sunday. After all, you are a child of God.”

All three temptations failed.

1. This is for your comfort.

A. We have often lost battles with the devil; we have succumbed.

B. Jesus overcame him for you. (See Romans 5:18-19)

2. This is for your instruction.

A. Jesus uses Scripture to overcome Satan.

B. We can in His power do the same. Prayer? Yes! Meditation? Yes! But above all, THE WORD!

Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [2]

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Thursday prior to Lent 1

[1]

Romans 10:8b–13—We confess in the meaning to the Third Article of the Creed, ‘I believe that I cannot, by my own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him. But the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith…’ When we make confession of our faith, whether it be a simple Jesus is Lord or a fuller confession, such as one of the Creeds, or even one of our Lutheran Confessions, we are simply saying back to God what He has first said to us.

Paul has just drawn a comparison between salvation and obeying the Commandments to their very letter and salvation by believing in Christ. Then he goes on to say, in this portion of his letter that we hear, that Christ is near, here, and we need only confess His Lordship to be saved – a Lordship that is universal, embracing all people who have faith in him.

“The name of the Lord,” in Romans 10:13 is more than a combination of letters that spell the name of Jesus. It is more than a label by which we address Him. The “name” of the Lord is His whole being, His nature. It is He Himself (I am that I am). It is everything He has done for us (Thou shalt call his name Jesus’ for he shall save his people from their sins.”) To “call” upon His name, therefore, means to call on HIM, to want Him, yearn for Him, trust Him, love Him – and all that He has done for us.

Prayer in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen [2]

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Wednesday prior to Lent 1

[1]

Deuteronomy 26:1–11— A Confession of God’s Goodness

People give to the Lord for different reasons: some, grudgingly, out of a sense of obligation; some, only when there is a specific need which must be met; some, because they believe that giving to the Lord will bring some sort of earthly reward, monetary or otherwise. These directions to the Children of Israel from the Lord through His prophet Moses show that giving back to the Lord is a privilege, when we realize that all we have comes from Him. It should be a pleasure for us to give generously to the Lord; for doing so reminds us of all the blessings He continually showers upon us and gives us reason to rejoice.

The recitation prescribed in today’s reading from Deuteronomy recounting the great deliverance from bondage in Egypt, was to be said along with the presentation of a basket of first fruits each year. This passage is quite old, thus the offerings were probably made at the tabernacle rather than at the Temple at Jerusalem, since this writing was around long before the Temple was built by Solomon. The point is that people, bringing first fruits of their harvest to the Lord, at the same time offer him thanksgiving for freedom from the bondage of sin.

Today is Ash Wednesday. We begin the discipline of Lent. Lent is a forty day observance as Sundays are excluded. Lent is a time when we deal with the basic realities of life; temptation, denial, suffering, sacrifice, prayer, agony of soul, betrayal, and death. During Lent we journey to Jerusalem to participate in the tragedy of the cross. It is a serious and solemn time of dying with Jesus that we might also rise with Him; for unless this death takes place, there can be no joy of Easter.

Collect for Ash Wednesday: Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[2]

[1] Ash Wednesday © Google Images

They're Back!

Spotted on Harzell Road by the IOOF Cemetery this afternoon!

Monday, March 3, 2025

Tuesday prior to Lent 1

[1]

Psalm 91:1–13—The key verse is v. 1: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Many dangers, both physical and spiritual, face us every day. Nevertheless, the composer of this psalm has no fear or anxiety, because he knows that the Lord is His Refuge and his Fortress.

Psalm 91 – The Assurance Given to those who Trust in God

This psalm has no title, and therefore the author remains unknown. Because it shares some of the themes of Psalm 90, some think Moses was the author. Because it shares some of the themes and phrases of Psalms 27 and 31, some think the author was David. “Some of its language, of strongholds and shields, reminds us of David, to whom the Septuagint ascribes it; other phrases echo the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32, as did Psalm 90; but it is in fact anonymous and timeless, perhaps all the more accessible for that.”

Many have noted the wonderful character of this psalm: “This psalm is one of the greatest possessions of the saints.”

“In the whole collection there is not a more cheering Psalm, its tone is elevated and sustained throughout, faith is at its best, and speaks nobly.”

“It is one of the most excellent works of this kind which has ever appeared. It is impossible to imagine anything more solid, more beautiful, more profound, or more ornamented.”

The assurance of God’s protection.

1. (1-2) The protection, comfort, and care of the LORD.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High God has a secret place for His own (Psalm 27:5, 31:20), and it is a place to live in. Those who dwell there abide under the shadow of the Almighty, knowing His protection, comfort, and care.

In Psalm 90:1, Moses spoke of God as the dwelling place of His people. The opening lines of Psalm 91 seem to take that idea further. “Moses spoke of God as the dwelling-place, the habitation, the home of man. This singer seems to accept that great idea, and then to speak of the most central chamber of the dwelling-place, referring to it as the Secret Place, and describing its complete security.”

There are many followers of Jesus Christ who seem to know very little of the secret place of the Most High or what it is to abide under His shadow. Many seem to regard this as only a thing for mystics or the super-spiritual. Yet David, if he wrote this, was a warrior and man well acquainted with the realities of life. It is true that the life of the spirit seems to come more easily for some than for others, but there is an aspect of the secret place of the Most High that is for everyone who puts his trust in Him.[2]

Collect for Psalm 91: Lord Jesus Christ, when tempted by the devil, you remained true to your Father, who commanded his angels to watch over you. Guard your Church from the plague of sin, so that we may remain faithful to you until the day when we enjoy the fullness of your salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen [3]

Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.-[4]

[1] The Temptation of the Christ Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for is book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS. For personal and congregational use

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-91/

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Monday prior to Lent 1

[1]

Psalm 91:9–13; Antiphon, Psalm 91:15–16—Both the Introit and the psalm of the day are drawn from the same psalm. The antiphon has the Lord speaking words of reassurance to us, that He shall be with us in trouble, and shall rescue us and show to us salvation. This is how the Lord treats those that love Him, those that make Him their Dwelling Place.

The theme for the First Sunday in Lent is “A Good Confession.” In the Old Testament lesson (Deuteronomy 26:1–11) Moses shows that by our giving back to God, we confess all the good He has done for us. St Paul in our Epistle lesson (Romans 10:8b–13) speaks of the confession which we make with our mouths, that Jesus is Lord. The Gospel (Luke 4:1–13) has Jesus Himself rightly confessing the Word of God to overcome temptation and defeat the devil’s false confession of that Word.

Jesus Christ, our Champion against the devil, endures and overcomes “every temptation” (Luke 4:13) on our behalf. He worships the Lord His God, and serves Him only by trusting the Word of His Father: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

Jesus’ victory is now ours through His gracious Word, which is not far away but near us – in our mouth and in our heart, in the proclamation of repentance and faith. For “with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Romans 10:10).

Collect for the First Sunday in Lent: O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2] Amen

[1] The Temptation of the Christ Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for

his book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS. For personal and congregational use

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Lent 1 - Series C study notes

Deuteronomy 26:1–11
Romans 10:8b–13
Luke 4:1–13

Jesus Christ Is Our Champion Against the Devil

O Lord Jesus Christ, You lead Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your church that following our Savior we might walk through the wilderness of this world toward the world that is to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Jesus Christ, our Champion against the devil, endures and overcomes “every temptation” (Luke 4:13) on our behalf. He worships the Lord His God, and serves Him only by trusting the Word of His Father: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

From Daniel J. Brege -

Our confession of Christ includes the prayer of faith, which is not disappointed; “for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

The Lord is not oblivious to “our affliction, our toil, and our oppression” (Deuteronomy 26:7), but has mercy upon us. He has brought us out of bondage through the “signs and wonders” of Holy Baptism, “with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 26:8), and now He leads us by His Spirit even in the wilderness.

Thank God that the Lord Jesus would be tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (Heb. 4:15). He accomplished this for us, that we would know that His victory over temptation is our victory. Be encouraged in this victory of Jesus as you now consider the relationship of our Lord’s temptation to the powerful prayer He taught His people to pray.

We begin the loftiest prayer, “Our Father who art in heaven.” The tempter prefaced his temptation of Jesus by questioning His sonship with the words, “If you are the Son of God, then…” We are now sons of God by faith in The Son of God (Gal. 3:26,27), and the tempter will no less tempt us to doubt our sonship. The universal salvation-work of Jesus along with our individually applied Baptism give certainty that we are sons of God. Hold this up to Satan when you are tempted to think God is not your father.

“Hallowed be Thy name.” The Catechism reminds us that here we ask that the Word of God be taught in its truth and purity. The devil tempted Jesus by misquoting the Word. So too we will each be tempted by abuse and misquoting of the Word of God. May our Lord mature our understanding of His Holy Word, thus sending the Tempter reeling with this properly wielded sword of the Spirit.

“Thy kingdom come.” The usurper of the kingdoms of this world tempted Jesus by offering Him said kingdoms. Do not fall for this temptation to worldliness. By the Holy Spirit we now believe Christ’s eternal kingdom has come to us, the kingdom flowing from the cross and empty tomb. May the Spirit of Christ push aside the unholy spirit so that others come to believe in the Word of Christ’s kingdom.

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In the Small Catechism we are wisely reminded that this petition is prayed because the will of the devil is set against God’s will. God’s will, wonderfully summarized in the first two petitions, is constantly challenged by the Tempter. Thank God that His will is done, because our will is woefully wanting in fighting the will of the devil.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Our gracious Father gives us daily bread, for which we give thanks. In Christ’s temptation we are reminded that we have bread beyond daily bread, for we do not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Overcome by temptation we fall into sin, and often we doubly sin as we fail to forgive those who sin against us. The Lord Jesus not only became sin that such apparent victories of Satan be nullified, but He also empowers us in the midst of our temptations, that we forgive as we have been forgiven.

“And lead us not into temptation.” The catechism reminds us, “God indeed tempts no one.” But we pray this petition so that we who are in Him who was led by the Holy Spirit to conquer temptation, be guarded from the tempter’s temptations to misbelief, despair and other great shame and vice.

“But deliver us from evil.” This concluding petition can be translated, “But deliver us from the evil one.” Indeed, while we yet reside in the foreign and fading realm of the evil one, we will be tempted by evils of body, soul, property and honor. Empowered by Christ’s Spirit may we be faithful to the Lord Jesus unto death, and thus exit this veil of tears and receive the crown of life, eternally delivered from evil.

Luke 4:1-13 -The Temptation of Jesus

The order of the temptation is different in Luke -

Luke 4:1

Ἰησοῦς δὲ πλήρης πνεύματος ἁγίου ὑπέστρεψεν ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, καὶ ἤγετο ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

4:1 – Jesus, full of the Spirit is lead by the Spirit - led into all the misery of our lives...see Hebrews 4:15...He is led into temptation where we can't make it He can...our status as children means we will suffer...glory is always seen in the cross and suffering.

Jesus’ genealogy states Jesus is God's son...His temptation asks, "if you are the son of God...”

Luke 4:2

ἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα πειραζόμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου. καὶ οὐκ ἔφαγεν οὐδὲν ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις, καὶ συντελεσθεισῶν αὐτῶν ἐπείνασεν.

for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.

Luke 4:3

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ διάβολος· Εἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰπὲ τῷ λίθῳ τούτῳ ἵνα γένηται ἄρτος.

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

Luke 4:4

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Γέγραπται ὅτι Οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος.

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”

Luke 4:5

Καὶ ἀναγαγὼν αὐτὸν ἔδειξεν αὐτῷ πάσας τὰς βασιλείας τῆς οἰκουμένης ἐν στιγμῇ χρόνου·

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,

Luke 4:6

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ διάβολος· Σοὶ δώσω τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην ἅπασαν καὶ τὴν δόξαν αὐτῶν, ὅτι ἐμοὶ παραδέδοται καὶ ᾧ ἂν θέλω δίδωμι αὐτήν·

and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.

Luke 4:7

σὺ οὖν ἐὰν προσκυνήσῃς ἐνώπιον ἐμοῦ, ἔσται σοῦ πᾶσα.

If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”

Luke 4:8

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Γέγραπται·Κύριον τὸν θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις καὶ αὐτῷ μόνῳ λατρεύσεις.

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

Luke 4:9

Ἤγαγεν δὲ αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ ἔστησεν ἐπὶ τὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Εἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ θεοῦ, βάλε σεαυτὸν ἐντεῦθεν κάτω·

And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,

Luke 4:10

γέγραπται γὰρ ὅτι Τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ τοῦ διαφυλάξαι σε,

for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’

Luke 4:11

καὶ ὅτι Ἐπὶ χειρῶν ἀροῦσίν σε μήποτε προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου.

And “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Luke 4:12

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι Εἴρηται· Οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις κύριον τὸν θεόν σου.

And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Luke 4:13

καὶ συντελέσας πάντα πειρασμὸν ὁ διάβολος ἀπέστη ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ ἄχρι καιροῦ.

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

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