Lenten Reading: The Temptations/the Coins

LEADER:
Today we lay before the cross the bag of coins,  payment for betrayal of the Son of God.  In handing Jesus over to the authorities,
Judas pressured Jesus to bring his kingdom in power, profit, and prestige.  But Jesus established the kingdom in forgiveness and sacrifice, humility and service.

CONGREGATION:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. We too seek power, profit and prestige. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you.  Have mercy on us.

LEADER:
Jesus was tempted not only by his disciples, but also by the Enemy. The evil one tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, to use his power for personal profit or the material gain of others. Jesus refused to be ruled by human appetites; but relied wholly on God.

CONGREGATION:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. We too seek personal satisfaction, accumulation of material goods, the bread which does not satisfy. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you. Have mercy on us.

LEADER:
The evil one tempted Jesus to throw himself down from the temple and demonstrate his Sonship through God's cosmic power. Jesus refused to force God's hand, but knew, and trusted completely in, God's love.

CONGREGATION:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. We too seek dramatic proof of God's love in demonstrations of power and might. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you. Have mercy on us.

LEADER:
The evil one tempted Jesus to bow down and worship him,  and thus gain the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  Jesus refused to give elsewhere the worship that is due God alone; he chose not to gain for himself, but to give himself.

CONGREGATION:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.  We too seek popularity and personal power at any cost.  We grasp, rather than give, ourselves. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you.  Have mercy on us.

LEADER: Let us pray together...

CONGREGATION:
Almighty God, whose glory it is always to have mercy:
Free us from the self-absorption of sin.
Forgive the ways we continue to place Jesus on the cross.
Form in us his very character--
his humility,
his service,
his forgiveness,
his sacrificial love--
Through Your mighty resurrection power!
Amen.

Copyright 2008 by Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene