Jesus waited

Tomorrow most churches will hear the story of Jesus' temptation (Mt 4.1-11). I put together these thoughts to share during worship, with a focus on "waiting for God":

God had led Jesus into the desert.

There he was tempted: Instead of waiting for God to lead him out of the desert, he was tempted to end his hunger, end his trial now, by his own power. He was tempted.


As the devil pointed out to Jesus, God had promised to protect his life.

But he was tempted: Instead of waiting for God to rescue him from death, quietly, in a garden tomb, after he had been beaten, humiliated, and hung in front of the crowds, he was tempted to make God rescue him now, in the middle of the temple, in front of everyone. He was tempted.


Through the prophets, God had promised that his son would rule over all.

Still, he was tempted: Instead of waiting for God to bring down all rulers and humble all nations before him, he was tempted to take and use the power and wealth of nations now, when so much could be accomplished. He was tempted.

As we are.


But Jesus waited for God.