The Temptation

This past Sunday, Lent 1, the Gospel was about Jesus’ temptations by Satan in the wilderness. At least that’s how it’s usually characterized. As you might imagine, I have a slightly different take on this story.

The Gospel lessons have been jumping around a bit, so you may not be aware that Jesus goes to the wilderness immediately following his baptism. Matthew says he was led by the Spirit; Mark says he was driven by the Spirit. Here’s what I think. Jesus at his baptism has his awareness of who he is heightened. He’s anointed by the descending Spirit and may realize for the first time that he is unique in his relationship to God. That’s pretty sobering, so he needs time to reflect and goes on retreat.

In my theology, I don’t spend much time concerned about evil incarnate in Satan, rather I think there is plenty of evil inherent in humanity naturally. Just look around. Just yesterday in my hometown, the third shooting of a kid in school by another kid in the last couple of months took place. Over what? They were arguing over rap music. But, I digress.

Jesus is on retreat to try to figure out what kind of son of God he’s going to be. Outside devil or no, he considers the possibilities. He struggles as we do. How will he use his influence and power? His human nature suggests all these alluring possibilities. His better self hears his Father’s and his ancestor’s voices. It is to those he listens. When he walks away, he is resolute. He will be a son worthy of his Father.

Well, could the lesson for us be any more clear than this? To whose voice will we ultimately listen when our baser selves try to lead us down the road frequently traveled? To whose voice did the young high school student listen yesterday when he shot his classmate three times? To whose voice are we listening when we are faced multiple times a day with a branching path?

Jesus may have left the wilderness resolute and we may feel a little guilt that our resolves is so malleable. Take heart. Toward the end of his life, he prayed that he might be spared the outcome staring him in the face. Yes, he ended the prayer with “You will be done.” But, he waffled at bit, didn’t he? I think so. The difference may be what happened after he waffled. He took that other fork in the road, the one so easy to avoid.

Is this something to consider during your observance of Lent?

Peace, Jerry+