On this First Sunday in Lent we begin in the beginning - with Adam and Eve in the Garden. The temptation and disobedience of Adam and Eve reveals the fragile human condition toward sin and how we, as God's children, can so easily and often fail to live as our best selves. We will explore the idea of sin and goodness in the world, and how we are all agents of goodness and brokenness in the world.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Book of Genesis. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson above and reflect during your reading, paying attention for any particular words or phrases that might have had particular significance for you. Consider God's role in this story, and God's hopes and expectations for humanity.
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below and reflect on the following questions: what "boundary" did God establish that the serpent invited the woman and the man to cross? Why do you think God set such a boundary, and what was the sin of Adam and Eve: disobedience, lying, trying to be like God?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement: "Precisely because the decision to disobey God began in the will, it is the will that must be healed, and this healing can happen only through love." Do you think the disobedience against God is worse because it was a "willful disobedience" rather than careless oversight or neglect?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the following: why does God set limits, and what is good about this idea? Why does God grant people free will, and how does that make life both better and more difficult?
