Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7
Psalm 51
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
If You are the Son of God…
How many times I’ve read and heard interpretations on the temptations of Jesus! This time, a couple of things struck me. First, was that I had always focused on the temptations and not on Jesus’ responses, responses that came from his heart, a heart wrapped in prayer. Evil tried to poke holes in his spirituality but couldn’t. I know when I’m experiencing temptation, all the reasons why I “shouldn’t” do whatever don’t cut it. Only some deep conviction, some non-negotiable can pull me through it. The other thing that struck me was that he kept saying, “If you are the Son of God…”, as if trying to get Jesus to prove it. Later, on the cross, this temptation comes again, “If you are the Son of God, come down off that cross,” or again, “…save yourself and us!” Wow! Even thinking of saving others can be a temptation if it’s not what God wants me to do. I imagine then, that the only way to stand strong, or even get back up again when I’ve fallen, is to focus just on what God’s plan is for me today. It’s that simple…and that difficult.
Interesting about the timing of the “if you are the son of God” statements. In the begining of his ministry (the temptation in the wilderness which occurred directly after the baptism) and at the end of his ministry (on the cross). The statements match in their parenthetical place and use. Both places are essential confrontations with the evil one and with temptation. The three years of ministry (the middle) are Christ exercising authority with corresponding victory. The life He lived being the answer he gives to that taunt. “The blind see, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news brought to them.”
These stories from Genesis and Matthew’s gospel tell me why evil is among us, why disobedience seems stronger than goodness, why I affect one others so strongly, why the terrible separation from God and one another, but most of all why God created me.
Through these readings I am reminded to take back that which has been given over to authorities other than God . . . to do homage to God alone. I am consoled by the angels around me, waiting on me through my challenges, failures, successes, growth and changes. This is a time to trust and rest in the shadow of the cross . . . the mystery of our salvation.