The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by the devil is found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Coming on the heels of being baptized by John and having his identity as a son with whom God is well pleased confirmed, Jesus journeyed into the wilderness, staying for 40 days without food or companionship. The devil arrived to tempt Jesus in this weakened state to turn from God and the plans God had for him.
Traditionally, Christians pull this story out during Lent – the lead up to Easter with 40 days of self-examination often complete with a temporary abstinence-rooted practice – to prepare ourselves to reflect on the Cross, turn our lives towards God (or repent if you prefer), and celebrate the resurrection.
Notice the primary technique of the devil is a question of identity. IF you are the Son the God – he often starts with – necessarily implying maybe Jesus isn’t. The use of IF ties who I am and how I see myself to something I’ve done or said instead of grounding my self-perception in who God says I am regardless of what I’ve done or said – a created, very good reflection of God. The inference of this technique is two-fold.
First, it draws our sense of value into question. We usually answer questions of who we are in vocational ways (our role) or interest ways (our beliefs, possessions or hobbies), basing our assessment of value on how well we do the “right” things. But the “who we are” question I am referring to here is grounded in a deep and owned understanding of how God sees us. Jesus has just been told very emphatically who he is – and yet the devil, in Jesus’ state of weakness – implies that isn’t enough.
How often do we beat ourselves or others up with questions that start with if? IF I was really a good person? IF God really loved me? IF I just looked different? IF you really cared about me? IF you/I really believed in Jesus? My list could go on – but the point is this – the inference of the devil was that Jesus has to prove it, and if he can’t then it might not be true.
Second, from a place of doubt or fear comes a lack of trust. IF introduces the idea that God cannot be trusted – especially if God does not act in the way I want at the time I want in the place I want. Jesus already knows he is the son of God, destined to rule with God – but the devil offers a short cut – IF Jesus will worship him.
The implication being “Get for yourself now, because you can’t trust God (or anyone) to provide it” – now or later.
When the things we put our faith in fail us, it shakes us to our core. through understanding at our core who we are – through the eyes of God.
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Sean East serves as pastor at Listowel Mennonite Church
