Todays’ passage is a lengthy one, but it is likely a story from the Bible most people are familiar with. Jesus has been baptized by John in the River Jordan and now is ready to begin the ministry that makes up much of the four gospels.
Why does Jesus go into the desert? What are the three temptations presented to Jesus? Why do you think Jesus started his ministry in this way?
If we are going to understand temptation and sacrifice we need to completely comprehend what they are. Temptation is that desire to please your own desires and wants in whatever way that may be. Sacrifice is the ability to deny your selfish desires so that others may benefit.
I have addressed the temptations offered to Jesus in the past. If these three scenarios were a temptation to Jesus then two things must be true. One – whatever was being offered must have been something that Jesus could have desired. Two – for it to be a temptation then submitting to it, giving in, accepting what was offered must have been considered.
Being fed because he was hungry must have been something Jesus considered. Being in charge of all the nations must have been something Jesus might have wanted. Becoming the center of attention and praise must have been something that tempted Jesus.
Why did he go into a desert place and spend 40 days in the wilderness? Why did Jesus allow himself to be confronted by the devil? Is this the best way to start a ministry?
Obviously, this was the best way for Jesus to begin. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and it was the Spirit, that third person of the holy Trinity, that led him to the desert to have this showdown with the devil.
It was a good way to begin ministry because it allowed Jesus to demonstrate to himself, to God, to the devil, and ultimately to us that he was ready for ministry. He could face all the various temptations that the world (or the devil) could offer and reject them. He would not give in to the temptations, but would sacrifice – deny himself – for the benefit of everyone else.
We have celebrated Easter and the resurrection of the Lord. We have learned that we must believe without seeing. Now we must be willing to face our own ministry with the same attitude of Christ. We must be willing to deny those things that tempt us away from doing good, and instead take on an attitude of sacrifice.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What helps you resist temptation?
