The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, 

tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, 

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to him,

 “I will give you all their authority and splendour; 

it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered,

“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, 

“It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

(Luke 4:3-12)

Luke 4:1-13

In this Gospel text, we see the three temptations the devil offers Jesus. In the first temptation, the devil attacks Jesus in his weak spot: hunger. The devil also doubts Jesus’ identity by saying, “If you are the Son of God.” We all know how being attacked in our weak spots or when we are low for whatever reason can make it harder to think clearly or to respond rationally and from our hearts.

Next, the devil offers possessions beyond belief, lying about his ownership of them. How tempted might we be by such wealth? Would it be worth paying homage to the giver for this? But Jesus knows where honour is due and in whom he lives, and he uses scripture to make his point.

For the third temptation, the devil sets up a jump from the top of the Temple and misuses scripture as a weapon to tempt Jesus. The devil is trying to use Jesus’ quoting of scripture against him. So many ploys tried! But Jesus’ knowledge of scripture is appropriate and clear.

Each of these temptations concerns power to the exclusion or detriment of others. When I focus on myself, my choice will be selfish. When I focus on God and all creation, my choice will differ: loving, kind, just, compassionate, and inclusive.

In these temptations, Jesus focuses on God, not on himself. He does not look at what is being pointed out. He looks within to his Father, to his values, principles, and mission. This is our call, too. Temptation is an invitation to look inward where God is present. I’m asked to make a choice, a decision: What will bring life and love to me, to my family, my community, and the world? 

Will recognising my weak spots help me be alert to my vulnerability and give me the strength to bring my eyes to God for my choices?

What is the power I seek that misleads my decision-making?

Does understanding how God values me help me when my identity is attacked? What are my values?

Who or what orients my life?

Can I move towards healing knowing God loves me even when tempted or failed?

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Forgiving God,
You understand when I make poor choices. 

Please open my heart and help me to look within for the whisper and nudge of your Holy Spirit of empowerment 

and love before making a decision. 

May each decision ‘fit’ with who you have created me to be and serve the common good.
Amen. 

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