| One thing I often say when I’m visiting prisons is simple but powerful: you do have choices.
Prison can feel like a long wait—some will leave quickly, some may never leave—but even behind bars, people can make choices that change their lives and the lives of others. We all have power, even in confinement.
I was recently reflecting on Matthew 4:1–11, where Jesus is tempted in the wilderness. This passage reminds us that temptation is universal. Jesus faced hunger, the lure of control, and the promise of power—the same forces that often lead people into destructive choices.
The first temptation, turning stones into bread, reflects our cravings—and not just for food. Many in prison wrestle with addictions or longings to feel important or loved. The second, standing on the pinnacle of the temple, mirrors the desire to act solely on our own will, doing whatever we want. I wonder how many people in prison are there because they have been driven by their own desires? The third, being offered all the kingdoms of the world, shows how power can be misused. We see this misuse of power in prisons, both in those who’ve misused power in abusive relationships, but also those who are victims themselves. People in prison are called ‘offenders,’ but many are also victims—shaped by those who abused power or exploited others.
As we reflect, we must also examine our own motivations. What drives our choices? Do we serve those in prison out of a desire to be needed or important? Lent calls us to recognise our temptations and turn to God for guidance and strength.
Matthew 4 concludes with hope: ‘Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’
Angels are not restricted by bars or walls. God’s love and mercy are never limited, and hope is never imprisoned.
This Lent, as we reflect on our choices, let us pray for those in prison, those impacted by crime, and ourselves.
And as we approach Mothering Sunday, let us pray not only for those parents in prison, but also for the young people affected, too. May God comfort them, give them hope, and let their voices be heard.
God’s love is greater than our sin and brokenness, and even as we walk toward the cross, our eyes can rest on the hope of the empty tomb. |
