Liturgy for the First Sunday of Lent, Year C (Luke)
What is the First Sunday in Lent?
The First Sunday in Lent marks the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the cross, calling believers to a season of repentance, reflection, and renewal. The lectionary readings focus on trust in God, confession of faith, and resisting temptation. In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus, led by the Spirit, faces Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, standing firm on God’s Word. Deuteronomy 26:1-11 recalls Israel’s gratitude for God’s deliverance, while Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 declares God’s protection over those who trust. Romans 10:8b-13 emphasizes that salvation is available to all who confess and believe in Christ.
Read more about Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness
• The Temptation of Jesus, part 1
• Luke Chapter 4 Outline and Summary
Scriptures for the First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Moses instructs the Israelites on offering their firstfruits to God, recognizing God’s faithfulness in delivering them from Egypt. This passage emphasizes gratitude and dependence on God’s provision.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
This psalm speaks of God’s refuge and protection for those who trust in him. It reassures believers of divine care in times of trouble, echoing the promises Jesus clings to during his wilderness testing.
Romans 10:8b-13
Paul highlights that salvation comes through faith in Christ. He declares that those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe in his resurrection will be saved, affirming that God’s grace is for all, Jew and Gentile alike.
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, filled with the Spirit, fasts for forty days and faces three temptations from Satan. He responds with Scripture, demonstrating obedience and faithfulness. His victory in the wilderness foreshadows his triumph over sin and death!
• Read a chapter summary and outline of Luke 4
• Here’s a verse-by-verse breakdown of this passage
Call to Worship
One: We gather today at the beginning of Lent, remembering Christ’s time in the wilderness.
All: God, lead us by Your Spirit, as you led Jesus.
One: We come to worship the God who sustains us in every trial.
All: Strengthen us, O Lord, that we may trust in you.
One: Come, let us worship God with hearts open to his Word!
All: Yes! May it be so with us.
Call to Confession
One: As Jesus was tested in the wilderness, so too do we struggle with temptation. Let us come before God in humility, confessing our sins.
All: Merciful God, we confess that we have not always trusted in your provision. We have sought our own way, giving in to selfish desires and doubts. Forgive us, Lord, and renew our hearts. Strengthen us to follow Christ in obedience and faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” In Christ, we find forgiveness and new life.
All: Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Prayer of Illumination
Lord, as we open your Word, fill us with the wisdom that sustained Jesus in the wilderness. May we hear, understand, and live by the truth of Scripture, trusting in you alone. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Faithful God, all that we have comes from you. As we enter this season of Lent, we dedicate our lives to your service. Use our gifts and offerings to further your kingdom and proclaim your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Themes of the First Sunday in Lent
1. Trusting in God’s Provision
Deuteronomy 26 calls for gratitude, and Psalm 91 promises God’s care. Jesus’ response to Satan shows that true provision comes from God, not from earthly means.
2. The Power of God’s Word
Jesus refutes each temptation with Scripture. Romans 10 reinforces that confessing Christ and believing in him leads to salvation.
3. Overcoming Temptation
Jesus’ victory in the wilderness teaches us to rely on God in our struggles. Lent is a time of spiritual discipline, reminding us that we can resist sin through faith and obedience.
Sermon Ideas for the First Sunday in Lent
Besides the thoughts offered below, I believe a sub-theme would be this: each temptation put upon Jesus is a shortcut. Discipline and faithfulness are about doing the right thing the right way at the right time. Jesus could have abused his power and created bread, but he waited. Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of lords, but he could have taken a shortcut and gotten worldly acclaim sooner. He could have proven his divine, supernatural ability by awing people with a jump from the temple, but he waited, helped people, and preached faithfully. Our temptations are often temptations to shortcuts.
1. “Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone”
Satan tempts Jesus with physical needs, but Jesus declares that true sustenance comes from God. How do we seek fulfillment in things that do not satisfy?
Main Idea: Trusting in God’s Word sustains us more than worldly desires.
2. Worshiping God Alone
Satan offers Jesus worldly power, but Jesus affirms that worship belongs to God alone. What are the idols that tempt us today?
Main Idea: Lent calls us to examine our hearts and remove anything that takes God’s rightful place.
3. “You Shall Not Put the Lord to the Test”
Satan twists Scripture, urging Jesus to test God’s faithfulness. Jesus refuses, showing that faith is about trust, not demands.
Main Idea: True faith does not seek signs but rests in God’s promises.
You have my permission to use this material. Please do two things:
• Leave a comment below letting me know who you are and where you are from!
• Tell others! Found this helpful? Share it on social media to help others engage with Scripture!
