the tempting of Jesus

I have read these passages often enough so that their full impact is often lost for me. As I read today, I was reminded of the word 'temptation'. It means something. It isn't just words spoken to another.

I don't like cheese. If someone were to offer me a lifetime of cheese products, I wouldn't be tempted. Likewise, if I were given the opportunity to attend every Super Bowl from now until I'm old, I wouldn't be swayed in the least.

The Bible says Jesus was tempted by Satan, not merely propositioned. With this in mind, I read these passages with new meaning.

Turn the stones to bread: when I think about not eating for forty days, I honestly have just attributed this as more the Son of God part of Jesus over the Son of Man. I haven't even considered fasting for that long! I breeze over that verse as being nearly meaningless. But, Satan tempted Jesus. That means Jesus wanted some food! And He knew this was a possibility to that end.

Next, depending on the gospel, comes the suggestion to worship Satan in return for kingdoms. The Word says this tempted Jesus. I picture Christ, the man who has been wandering the wilderness, knowing the rejection He will face for millennia. The sure thing of guaranteed kingdoms being His without all the suffering must have been what appealed to Him.

Finally comes the temptation to jump to a death that would not come. Satan employs Scripture in tempting Christ here. He reminds Jesus of the protective angels charged to guard from all dangers.

Consider this! Jesus is embarking on a ministry that will end with betrayal, beatings that will leave Him unrecognizable, and a most painful, humiliating death. To jump from the wall and NOT meet agony! To be cradled protectively in powerful arms! What a comfort the experience would be on contrast to the reality. It would build a memory worth clutching to in the dark days to come.

I have been told so many times that Jesus had been tempted, so He is a good friend to have in my own temptations. He's been there. He understands. Blah, blah, blah. I never put much stock in that because I'd always read the 'temptation' of Christ as the propositions of Satan. I pictured Jesus scoffing at the ridiculous offers of a pesky gnat.

But if I am to take the Word of God as Truth, then Christ was actually tempted. He considered these offers and savored the options. He really can relate to my own temptations personally. He really has a compassion and an escape route for me.

Created 5 months ago