Prepare for the Sunday of the Temptation (03/01)
Within the liturgy for each Lord’s day, we receive the Word of God through uniquely appointed readings, psalms, hymns, and prayers. This week we will pray the Divine Service Setting Three (audio of this liturgy). The following guide will help you to prepare to hear and sing the Propers, i.e. the varied texts and hymns for this week.
Today, we welcome ARABELLA VIOLET TUPPER, infant daughter of Stephan and Penny Tupper, into our Christian family by Holy Baptism.
JESUS DOES BATTLE IN OUR PLACE
In the Garden, man exalts himself to be a god in place of God (Gen. 3:1–21). He succumbs to the temptation of the devil, and eating of the forbidden fruit, he receives death. But in the sin-cursed wilderness, God humbles Himself to become man in place of man (Mt. 4:1–11). He does not eat but fasts and bears the onslaughts of the devil for us that we may be restored to life. Jesus stands as David in our place to do battle against the Goliath, Satan (1 Samuel 17:40–51). Though outwardly Jesus appears weak, yet He comes in the name of the Lord of hosts. He draws from the five smooth stones of the books of Moses and slings the Word of God. The stone sinks into the forehead, and the enemy falls. In Christ, we are victorious over the devil. Let us therefore not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1–10), but seeing that we have a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need (Heb 4:14–16).
Collect of the Day: 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. Amen.
Readings:
Introit: Ps. 91:1-2, 9-10, 13; antiphon: Ps. 91: 15-16
Old Testament: Gen. 3:1-21
Psalm 118:1-13 (antiphon: v. 5)
Epistle: 2 Cor. 6:1-10
Tract: Ps. 91:1, 4a, 15a, 16
Gospel: Matt. 4:1-11
Hymns:
601 All who believe and are baptized Es ist das Heil
656 A mighty fortress is our God Ein feste Burg
424 O Christ, You walked the road Southwell
600 Mark how the Lamb of God's self-offering Rendez a Dieu