St. Matthew

Into the Wilderness

Without any question, the wilderness experience of Israel is one of profound importance. It was in the wilderness that Israel was lead out of slavery into freedom, from the Land of Egypt to the Land of Canaan where they would be given a home. This was the time of trial in which the people were being taught a way of living as the people of God. In the wilderness, God was their absolute ruler. God provided for their daily needs as they had need. There was to be no hoarding or storing up. They would receive only what they needed in the amount that they needed and they had to learn that when the new day comes, God will provide for that day as well. The stories of the exodus, however, are tales of failure on the part of the people. Their journey into freedom was not an easy one because often God had to lead them by his servant Moses while the people went kicking and screaming.

It follows suit that Jesus would need to spend his time in the wilderness. Jesus time in the wilderness would be a time of trial also, only his temptations would be matched by obedience to God’s plan. Jesus would walk the roads of the wilderness keeping God in the leadership role.

Jesus is tempted:

His first temptation was hunger, just as Israel’s first temptation was hunger. The answer to the hunger in the wilderness of for Israel was that God sent bread – manna from heaven. Jesus took another route. The answer to his hunger had to do with a food that came from God also – a food that would nourish body and spirit – the Word of God.
The second temptation has to with the matters of identity. This is like the temptation in the garden of Eden when temptation was made toward those who had already been created in the image of God, and have been given dominion (like God) over all things. Their temptation was to be “as God”. Jesus is tempted to prove his identity as the Son of God. Through yourself down from the Pinnacle of the Temple. If you are who you say you are, God will rescue. Jesus answer to such a temptation as to prove his power was to reflect upon audacity of tempting God. To take the step off the pinnacle would be an attempt at controlling God. This is not allowed. God is God and therefore in complete control of all things.
The third had to do with the temptation to place things in the primary place that God deserves – first and foremost in our lives. This temptation strikes at the heart of the human well of desire – to have great wealth and glory. Once again, Jesus response is back to the first commandment. Only God deserves worship. This struck at the heart of Jewish thought. All that they had lost, specifically control of their Promised Land was linked in their thinking to their propensity to stray into worship of false God. Sole worship of God was at the heart of the covenant relationship between the people and God and was perfectly exemplified in the life of Jesus.

Ministry of Jesus

Following the wilderness, Jesus embarked upon his ministry to the people of God. Matthew is careful to validate through the quotation of scriptures that this ministry was to happen in land of the gentiles. Jesus further declared that this ministry represents the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven right here on earth. God’s plan for a new homeland and new Promised Land is back on track. Only the location of the land differs.

Along the way in Galilee Jesus confronts Peter and Andrew, brothers and fishermen; as well the James and John the sons of Zebedee who were also fishermen. He confronts with the invitation, “Follow me.” Matthew reports that “immediately,” they left their boats, the nets, and their family and followed him. This is the appropriate answer to the invitation of Jesus when invited to follow him into the Kingdom of Heaven. Confronted with the invitation, they followed.

The Rev. Dr. Kipp W. Zimmermann

Thursday, January 12, 2006