First Sunday of Lent (Year A)

First Reading - Genesis 3.1-6

A reading from the book of Genesis. The serpent was more cunning than any other creature the Lord God had made. The serpent said to Eve, ‘Did God say that you are not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?’ Eve said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden; except the tree in the middle of the garden, for God said that if we even touch it, we shall die.’ The serpent said to Eve, ‘You will not die; but when you eat the fruit of that tree, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ Understanding now that the fruit of the tree would bring knowledge, and seeing that it was beautiful, and good to eat, Eve took fruit from the tree, and gave some to Adam, who was with her, and they ate. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - Romans 5.12-19

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans. Sin - rebellion against God - came into the world through Adam; and death came into the world through sin; and death spread to all, for all have sinned. And so we see that sin was already in the world, and leading to death, long before the laws, defining and measuring sin, were given to Moses. But now, the power of sin and death, which all began with the sin of Adam, is swept away by the far greater power of the gift of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

The sin of Adam led to death, but now there is life for those who receive forgiveness in Christ. Adam’s trespass led to condemnation and death for all. But Christ’s work of righteousness leads to forgiveness and life for all. By the disobedience of Adam, many were made sinners, and died. Now, by the obedience of Christ, many will be made righteous, and live. This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Matthew 4.1-11

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Jesus was led by the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing for forty days, and forty nights. The tempter came to him, in his great hunger, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.’ But Jesus answered, ‘The scripture says that life is sustained, not by bread alone, but by the word of God.’ Then the devil took him to the holy city, and placed him on the highest point of the temple, saying, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for the scripture says that the Lord Most High will send angels to protect you, to raise you up in their hands, so that you will not even hurt your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered, ‘The scripture also says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ Then the devil led him to a high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their splendour; and said, ‘All these, I will give to you, if you fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said, ‘Away from me, Satan; for the scripture says, “Worship and serve the Lord your God, and no other.”’ And the devil left him. And angels came, and ministered to him. This is the Gospel of the Lord.