Texts: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Today we take a look at the temptations of Jesus. These three specifically mentioned temptations address both patterns of ministry rejected by Jesus and temptations we continue to deal with today.
The first temptation: turn these stones into bread. One of the temptations we struggle with is the desire to possess and own things we do not have. We have built tremendous shrines to this desire. We call them department stores. Jesus rejects a model of ministry where he will be a savior who simply provides for people's desires.
When Jesus does supply for physical needs and desires it usually results in people who follow him for what he provides rather than people who wish to be disciples - followers of Jesus. Jesus will not be a Savior who is there to cater to the needs and desires of people. This stands in sharp contrast with some preachers of today who offer a Gospel of Wealth. This is not the Gospel of Jesus.
The second temptation: Satan takes Jesus to a high place of the temple and challenges him to throw himself down and let God send his angels to lift him up. This would certainly make Jesus famous. Remember, Jesus is unknown at this point. But, Jesus rejects a model of ministry that depends on fame. Even when he touches the lives of people and brings them wholeness and healing he tells them to keep silent about it. When his fame does spread he again attracts people who follow him in an attempt to seem something miraculous - a show. When the people demand to see signs, he jrejects their request.
We, too, deal with a desire to be famous. The dream of so many young people is to be the next superstar: the next big quarterback or rock star. Auditions for shows like American Idol (the title is telling) gathers hundreds of people who certainly must know they have no talent whatsoever - but they come anyway.
Jesus rejects a glitzy style of ministry that seeks to attract people with show.
The third temptation: Satan finally takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world and offers them to Jesus if he would only bow down and worship him. After all, hasn't Jesus come to lay claim to the lives and souls of people? But this promise of power and a coersive claim over our souls is rejected by Jesus. He rejects a model of ministry that is based on power. He rejects an opportunity to claim souls by force. Jesus comes to offer life.
We deal with the temptation for power as well. How many times have we seen individuals, institutions, and nations impose their will on others for what is best.
After Jesus rejects these model he moves on with his ministry. He begins by walking along the shore and calls out to some fishermen. “Come and follow me and I will make you fishers for people.” He begins by gathering a small group around himself. People he will commit himself to. People he will prepare for continuing the work of his ministry.
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