Jesus: Tempted for Us

This sermon gives attention to the second 'bridge' that connects the birth narratives with the accounts of Jesus' public ministry. From the account of his baptism and anointing with the Holy Spirit which we considered last Sunday, the gospels move on to record the days of his testing in the wilderness. There the nature and character of Jesus' relation with God was put to the test, that he might not only triumph over Satan as the new Adam, but also that we might recognise him as our merciful and faithful High Priest who has come through the temptations we face and who is thus able to bear us up in his heart before God.