First Sunday in Lent Matthew 4:1-11

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

Psalm 32

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

lectionary:

Season of lent, Year a

Author

Cody Sandahl

Keywords (10)

Scripture (6)

Date Added

Jan 20, 2023

AIM Commentary

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

Which Interpretative Lens Should You Use?

I have a general rule of thumb when studying a text. If I can read the early Christian commentators, the Reformers, and modern scholars without finding a consensus in any era, then no one really knows the definitive meaning of the text.

The temptation of Jesus is one of those texts that can have a wide variety of interpretive lenses applied to it.

What is Temptation?

But first we should ask what it means for Jesus to be tempted. This word in Greek has some range. In fact, the same root word is used in…

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lent Guides

Lectionary Cycles

Author

Cody Sandahl

Cody Sandahl has served as the Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton, Colorado, since 2015, where he leads with a heart for discipleship and service. Prior to this role, he was the Executive Pastor and Associate Pastor for Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In each of these roles, Cody has been driven by a passion for equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12), focusing on empowering others to live out their faith in transformative and meaningful ways.

Before entering pastoral ministry, Cody spent much of his early career programming computers and building robots, cultivating a deep passion for technology, problem-solving, and innovation. This love for technology continues to influence his ministry, particularly through his nonprofit organization, Code4Kids, which introduces children to the world of coding and robotics. Through this initiative, Cody is committed to inspiring the next generation of thinkers and creators, offering them the tools to excel in a rapidly advancing technological world.

Cody’s creativity and curiosity also extend to his personal life, where he enjoys experimenting in his basement workshop. Whether tinkering with computers, exploring the possibilities of 3D printing, or occasionally shooting laser beams at things—often with fascinating (and sometimes surprising) results—Cody’s innovative spirit is ever-present.

His life is further enriched by his wife, Becca, and their two energetic boys, whose lively presence fills their home with joy and excitement. Their spunky dog adds an extra layer of fun and unpredictability to family life.

Cody’s blend of technical expertise, theological depth, and creative energy shapes his leadership in both ministry and in the lives of young minds through his work with Code4Kids, as he continues to live out his calling with passion, purpose, and a commitment to empowering others.