February 18, 2024 - Invocavit Sermon

Old Testament: Genesis 3:1–21
Psalm: Psalm 32; antiphon: v. 7
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1–10
Gospel: Matthew 4:1–11
Introit: Psalm 91:1–2, 9–10, 13; antiphon: vv. 15a, c, 16
Gradual: Psalm 91:11–12
Tract: Psalm 91:1, 4a, 15a, 16

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).