Temptation

What do the three temptations of Jesus during the forty day fast represent?

1. If you are hungry turn the stones into bread.

This could be a temptation for Jesus to prove his power, or to avoid an unnecessary, uncomfortable situation. What he in fact proved was that he could endure hardship as a man, and engage his willpower to do his father's will and not his own. I have heard some excellent employers say they never ask people to do a job that they won't do themselves. So this was a teaching moment since it must have been viewed by the person who recorded the story. It is proof enough that Jesus is love personified by his healing of the sick and preaching peace and compassion.

2. If you are God, jump from the spire and command the angels to catch you.

This is another temptation to prove power. This time it is asking someone to prove their love for us. No proof is needed if we see the fruits they bear. Love is not a competition and there is enough for everyone. Jesus did not need that proof, but as we find later in his ministry he did cry and even plead for the torture to be over. But, he never turned away from his destiny to show us that the ultimate love is to die in place of others.

3. If you worship the devil he will give you power over the earth.

This temptation could be the desire to have power to control all things. World domination has been attempted and depicted as something gained through evil, selfish, and destructive means. That power does not last. Jesus understands that love is more powerful. This is proven today by the enormous following that Jesus' way employs. It is proven every time we forgive instead of fight back. The healing power of love and serving God has accomplished the most miraculous things.

Tempted or tortured: love endures. We should all live with loving thoughts, words and deeds.