THE THREE TEMPTATIONS

1st – To Turn Some Stones into Bread (Luke 4:3-4)

The first temptation of turning bread into stone signifies a focus on material
possessions, which in themselves
are not bad. However, Jesus makes the choice that simply using or having
possessions are NOT the way to
genuinely work the Kingdom of God; instead, Jesus opts to focus on the importance
of sharing what possessions
he has, particularly in the practices of table fellowship.
2nd – To Worship Satan for Glory and Authority (Luke 4:6-8)
The second temptation is the choice towards power. Again, power in itself is not
bad; perhaps it might even
have been easier for Jesus to do his ministry if he had more power. However, history
has shown that absolute
power can corrupt even those with the best intentions; thus, Jesus rejects the way of
power, and instead walks
the way of service. Jesus’ ministry focused on service to others and especially the
marginalized, epitomized in
his washing of the disciples’ feet at the last supper (John 13:1-17).
3rd – To Throw Himself Down from the Temple (Luke 4:9-12)This temptation to
prove himself is the temptation to prestige; and again, prestige on its own is not bad.
However, Jesus again rejects this way of prestige, and works instead towards
solidarity with the people. He did
not wish to be “above” others with the elite but was always working to be with and
caring for the multitude and
average person. “Solidarity is the social meaning of humility...humanity as solidarity
is the foundation of a just
society.”
IN
THE THREE TEMPTATIONS
1st – To Turn Some Stones into Bread (Luke 4:3-4)
The first temptation of turning bread into stone signifies a focus on material
possessions, which in themselves
are not bad. However, Jesus makes the choice that simply using or having
possessions are NOT the way to
genuinely work the Kingdom of God; instead, Jesus opts to focus on the importance
of sharing what possessions
he has, particularly in the practices of table fellowship.
2nd – To Worship Satan for Glory and Authority (Luke 4:6-8)
The second temptation is the choice towards power. Again, power in itself is not
bad; perhaps it might even
have been easier for Jesus to do his ministry if he had more power. However, history
has shown that absolute
power can corrupt even those with the best intentions; thus, Jesus rejects the way of
power, and instead walks
the way of service. Jesus’ ministry focused on service to others and especially the
marginalized, epitomized in
his washing of the disciples’ feet at the last supper (John 13:1-17).
3rd – To Throw Himself Down from the Temple (Luke 4:9-12)This temptation to
prove himself is the temptation to prestige; and again, prestige on its own is not bad.
However, Jesus again rejects this way of prestige, and works instead towards
solidarity with the people. He did
not wish to be “above” others with the elite but was always working to be with and
caring for the multitude and
average person. “Solidarity is the social meaning of humility...humanity as solidarity
is the foundation of a just
society.”
IN