February 22, 2026

Our Lectionary readings for next Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, are Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5;12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11.

The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The Gospels tell us what that looks like. The final temptation Jesus faced in Matthew 4:1-11 is the most basic of all: whom will we worship? If Jesus gets this wrong, everything else is lost. By the power of trust in God's promises and reliance on God's word (Matthew 4:10), Jesus refuses attractive offers to rule the world in any way that bypasses the path only his cross makes possible. 

We will have a congregational meeting in the next three to six weeks.