Mennonite Weekly Review

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, Matthew says, the Spirit leads him into the desert to be tempted. There’s no time to bask in the glory of the moment of baptism; there is work to be done.

Dueckman

Jesus’ time in the wilderness will prove to be not only a time of temptation but also a time of communing with the Father, a time of personal preparation. Surely during this testing time Jesus spends much time alone with God in prayer, just as he will continue to do throughout his ministry.

The thought of Jesus being tempted at all can be a bit disconcerting to us. It doesn’t seem to fit. If Jesus is divine and incapable of sin, why must he be tempted?

At his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus was affirmed as the divine Son of God. Now he must also experience being fully human, and to be human is to face temptations. Faith must be tested in order to become strong.

Jesus counters with Scripture

Satan’s temptations are three in number, each testing Jesus’ Messianic role. First comes the temptation of food — “Turn these stones into bread” — after Jesus has been fasting for forty days. Certainly the desire to meet one’s physical needs is basic and understandable to any of us. Will he choose to exercise his divine power to satisfy personal needs? Such a miracle would be minor, but Jesus doesn’t take the bait. He is ready with a scriptural response.

The second temptation involves instant acclaim. Satan urges Jesus to throw himself down from the temple, citing the passage from Psalm 91:11-12 about angels’ protection. What a publicity stunt — Jesus jumps and the angels form an instant bungee cord! If this were done today, you can be sure television cameras would be covering the event live. But Jesus knows his ministry involves more than popularity, and it is wrong to manipulate God just for a show. A second time he counters with Scripture.

The third temptation involves power and wealth. Who hasn’t dreamed of being rich, famous or powerful at one time or other? Jesus is shown all the kingdoms of the world and told they can be his — at a price, if he bows to the tempter. Yet again he quotes Scripture: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Deut. 6:13).

In the end, Jesus emerges victorious. He has had nothing at his disposal during this time except knowledge of Scripture, which he quotes effectively. Such a weapon is at any believer’s disposal in time of temptation. Are we also ready?

Amy Dueckman, a former staff writer for Mennonite Weekly Review, works for Canadian Mennonite and Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia and is a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C.