Message: Eden & Wilderness / Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 & Matthew 4:1-11

On this first Sunday of Lent, the lectionary readings bring us into two stories, Eden and the wilderness. Eden is a place of abundance, where everything is given to enjoy. The wilderness, by contrast, is a place of lack, exposing weakness and vulnerability. Today’s readings show that both can be places of temptation. This reminds us that temptation can appear anywhere and is never far from us. Through these two stories, we are invited to reflect on what temptation is and how we can face it.

Genesis begins with two creation stories. Today’s first reading comes from the second story, which explores the human condition. God forms the human from the dust of the ground, but it does not end there. When God breathes the breath of life into it, the human becomes a living being. Life is more than just physical movement. Without the divine breath that makes relationships possible, humans are not truly alive. Because of this, the Hebrew word for breath also refers to spirit. It connects God and us, us with one another, and us with all other creatures. 

The first human is called “Adam.” In fact, this is not a personal name. It simply means “human” and comes from adamah, the word for soil. But the human is not meant to live alone. So, God takes a rib from the first human and creates a partner. In the ancient world, the rib could symbolize life itself. It is taken from the side, not from above or below, which shows equality. The new human is made to share life, not to rule or be ruled.

When the human meets another, the first words spoken are full of love and excitement: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” In Hebrew, “Man” is ish and “Woman” is issha. As soon as the other appears, the human begins to speak the language of relationship. It is not about separation. Each has their own uniqueness, yet they belong to each other.

But the story does not conclude with a happy ending. The first humans listen to the serpent. God had said they could eat from every tree except the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The key question is not why God placed the tree there. The point is that healthy relationships depend on boundaries rooted in trust. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is a symbol of that boundary. Boundaries may take different forms in different situations, but the truth remains the same: they must be kept and respected.

The problem arises from human desire. Slavoj Žižek, one of today’s most influential philosophers, has spoken about our attraction to what is forbidden. He suggests that we are drawn to the forbidden, not because it gives greater pleasure, but because the very act of crossing a boundary feels thrilling. We recognize the boundaries that keep our relationships strong, but deep inside, we are often tempted to cross them. And there is always something, like the serpent, that stirs that desire, testing the strength of our trust and self-control.

When boundaries are ignored and crossed, tragedy follows. After eating the fruit, the relationship between humans and God is broken. The first humans hide from God, feeling ashamed and overwhelmed by fear and guilt.

The rupture also reaches their relationship with each other. Words that once expressed love now become tools for blame and excuse. Adam ate the fruit by his own choice, yet he points to the woman as the cause. Sin begins here. It leads to blaming the vulnerable, dividing people, and justifying oppression and violence.

The story shows this reality even more clearly. When trust is broken, the man begins to rule over the woman. The patriarchal system is a result of sin, not God’s creation. It is something that needs healing and renewal. The victims of patriarchy are not only women. Men also suffer. Instead of solving problems together, men are often forced to try to solve everything alone. By choosing command over conversation and control over empathy, they can end up isolating themselves in a prison of their own making.

The relationship between humans and the earth also suffers. In Eden, work is joyful. It is like play. Humans care for creation and take delight in it. But after the fall, work becomes painful labour. Creation is no longer a gift. It becomes something to control in order to survive. Fences are built. Speed becomes more important. Straight lines replace curves. The sense of beauty begins to fade.

But today’s Gospel reading gives us hope as it moves us from Eden into the wilderness. After Jesus is baptized and affirmed as God’s beloved Son, the Spirit leads him into the wilderness. After this wilderness experience, Jesus begins his public ministry.

The wilderness is a place of limitation. Because of this, it helps us see what is truly essential in life. Today, many people are trapped by addiction and dependence. This is especially serious in wealthy countries like Canada. People often look for quick escapes and instant pleasures instead of practicing patience and endurance. 

For this reason, some neuroscientists suggest “dopamine fasting” as a first step to break addictive cycles. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain related to pleasure and motivation. The problem is that it can make people expect rewards right away. When this happens, they may feel they cannot live without stronger and stronger stimulation. In these situations, it can help to step back from the things that cause addiction for a time.

This is why the wilderness matters today. It is a place to remove the illusions in our lives and focus on what really matters. It is a place to strengthen the muscles of the soul. However, even in the wilderness, temptation comes. The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread. But Jesus refuses. He says, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This does not mean that bread is unimportant. It means that when bread becomes everything, life loses its balance. What makes us whole is the word of God, the breath of life from God’s mouth, which restores our connection with God, with one another, and with all of creation. 

The devil does not give up. He takes Jesus to the top of the temple and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” This is a temptation to prove who I am through power. But because he is the Son of God, Jesus refuses. He does not have to prove that he is God’s child by doing something impressive. Our faith is not about showing off. It is about holding on to the truth that God loves us just as we are.

Finally, the devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if he will worship him. This is a temptation of idolatry. It appeals to human vulnerability by making what is visible seem absolute and ultimate. Even religion is not always free from this temptation. Jesus answers firmly, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” This does not mean worshiping a church building or a doctrine. It certainly does not mean worshiping a minister or religious leader. To worship God alone means that we should not let anything or anyone in this world control our hearts and our lives. Idols oppress us, but God sets us free. In that freedom, we can move beyond obsession and dependence and build just and equal relationships grounded in love.

In this season of Lent, we are invited to move from Eden into the wilderness. Traditionally, Christians have practiced charity, prayer, and fasting during Lent. These practices help us experience the wilderness by letting go of what holds us back. So, let us take the time to reflect on what we need to let go during this Lent. This may be different for each person. Some may choose to eat less sugar or chocolate. Some may need to step away from screens. Some may decide to face responsibilities they have long avoided. Whatever it may be, remember that it is not punishment, but possibility. It is not about despair, but about hope. It is meant to set us free for true reconciliation.

May the Spirit guide us into our own wilderness, so that we may build beautiful relationships with God, with one another, and with all of creation around us.

Thanks be to God. Amen.


Rev. Min Hwang


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