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CPTB is a conversational, funny, and thoughtful take on this week’s Bible readings — for preachers, church leaders, deconstructors, and curious listeners who still love scripture, even when they’re not sure what to do with it. We explore the text with humor and theological depth, without certainty, outrage, or easy answers.

On this Short Take episode of Comedians with Pastors Talking Bible, we kick off Lent with the Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.

What voice should the devil have?
What if he sounds suspiciously like Rick Sanchez?

From belching cartoon villains to serious theological stakes, we explore what temptation really is — and why the devil doesn’t tempt Jesus with obviously evil things. Instead, he offers good things… twisted.

Bread.
Proof.
Power.

Why does Jesus say no? And what does that have to do with how we think about prosperity, spectacle, and political control today?

It’s Lent.
The stakes are real.
The devil sounds reasonable.

Join Pastor Bob Schaefer, Pastor Eric Damon, and resident comic theologians Abby Evans (@itsabbye) and Erick Williams (@comicaledubs) for a Short Take that’s irreverent, thoughtful, and maybe just a little dangerous.

Matthew 4:1–11 (NRSVue)

[1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. [2] He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” [7] Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, [9] and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” [11] Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Hosted by Pastor Eric Damon and Pastor Bob Schaefer.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.