March 26, 2025 

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 37:1-36; Mark 10:1-12

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Temptation is serious business. There’s a reason this topic comes back again and again for Christians, especially in the season of Lent, just like there’s a reason that Jesus teaches us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer. As we are confronted with temptation that comes to us from our own sinful flesh and nature, from the world around us, and from the devil himself, we hear with relief that the Lord will provide the way of escape so that we can endure temptation.

But this verse is written in context with other verses around it. In 1 Corinthians 10, St Paul writes about the timeless temptations that confront God’s people. As he reflects on the people freed from slavery in Egypt, he points out the temptations to idolatry, to sexual immorality, to test God, and to grumble about God’s will. Not only did God’s Old Testament people face these temptations, but many fell into sin and were judged by God. Idolatry, sexual immorality, and grumbling about God’s will aren’t only temptations thousands of years ago in the wilderness but also today. In your bedrooms, in your living rooms, in the classrooms where you learn, temptations come. Not only does temptation come to you, but you sometimes fall into sin.

The comfort of 1 Corinthians 10:13 isn’t that the Lord will free you from temptation or that you will perfectly stand up under temptation. The way of escape from temptation is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of your temptation and in the midst of falling into sin, Jesus brings forgiveness. When you are tempted, pray that Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and keep you from sin and evil. And when you fall into sin, pray that Jesus covers you with His forgiveness. In His grace, you endure temptation. By the work of the Holy Spirit, you are strengthened against temptation. By the grace of God, you are forgiven and redeemed. You endure all things by the grace and mercy of God, even when it seems like you are a failure as a Christian. Your “success” as a Christian isn’t up to you; it completely relies on the grace of God that makes you righteous and holy as a saint of God. 

 In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue All that is not holy, All that is not true: Crown Him as your captain In temptation’s hour; Let His will enfold you In its light and pow’r. (LSB 512:5)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!