Scripture Study for

As Moses prepares Israel to enter into the land promised to their ancestors, he instructs them to offer firstfruits sacrifices to God once they have entered the land, and to acknowledge that God has indeed been faithful to promises in bringing the people into the land  (Deuteronomy 26:1–3). The statement itself has been called Israel’s credo, summarizing as it does the central story of Israel’s relationship with God: the descent into Egypt by Jacob (the wandering Aramean), the oppression and deliverance of his descendants, and their return to the land. This brief recital captures the essence of Israel’s faith in the generous and powerful God who makes—and always keeps—those promises. 

The reading from Romans comes from a section of the letter in which Paul is focusing on the contrast between righteousness from observing the Law (perfectly) and righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. His point here is that just as the Law was accessible to Israel (since it was written), so faith in Christ is accessible to all (as long as they have heard the word preached to them [10:14]). Once one has received the word, confession of the lordship of Christ and trust in the proclamation of his resurrection lead to justification and salvation. Justification here means being made “right with God,” and salvation is receiving the gift of eternal life offered by God. This gift is no longer limited to Israel but is now available to Gentiles as well. 

In his temptation in the wilderness, Jesus represents both himself and Israel. As God’s Messiah, Jesus faces the temptations to use his relationship with God and his powers to smooth the pathways of his life by avoiding pain (hunger), or commanding the kingdoms of the earth, or even expecting God to save him from danger and death. Jesus shows his humility and obedience by avoiding these temptations. In the Old Testament, Israel is referred to as God’s son  (Exodus 4:22–23), a son who failed the test of temptations in the wilderness generations earlier. Through his victory in the wilderness, Jesus not only vindicates himself, but also shows that in him Israel  (and eventually all of humanity) can triumph over temptation and sin.