In the Gospel stories, Jesus was tempted by Satan with three temptations, and I think they are important for reflection in thinking about life, whether or not you are religious or even believe.
First, I have not note one thing, because it is something I have said for a long time. You have this story in the Gospel because God was not only allowing this trial but was using Satan for the trial. It was a part of his plan, indeed a part that was important enough to write down so others can learn from it. I'll just leave that right there.
Ok, the first of the trials that Jesus was faced with in the gospel story was being tempted to use his Divine power to turn rocks into bread after not eating for a long time. I want you to notice something. He DID have the power, and he COULD legitimately do what was asked. It wouldn't have made Him any less Divine. It would not have been a sin for Him to do it. But, He refused to use Divine power to provide what He wanted like it was some magic trick. Holiness isn't about manipulating God to give you what you desire. I don't pray like that. I will earn my kids trust and respect, just like I work for other things in my life. And, sometimes you need to face fear and struggle and grow to come out the other side.
Next, He was tempted to throw Himself off the temple and let God catch Him. This certainly would have established to those watching what He really was, but again He chose not to use God to establish His popularity and authority. Indeed, one thing that I have discovered in life is that being rejected and lowly is one of the best ways to talk to others rejected and lowly, because they know you understand their story.
Finally, He was offered the kingdoms of the world, if he worshiped Satan. Again, if Satan wasn't able to provide that, it wouldn't have been a temptation. God had given him that authority, just as Jesus told the Roman leader that his power came from God to kill him. Yet, Jesus purpose wasn't being worshiped I said in a comment to one of my posts, recently, that God is less concerned with being seen as right than that He can be with us in our pain, and I believe that is true. Worship can often get in the way of connection, and I don't want to be worshiped by anyone or put on a pedastal. I am just as flawed as anyone, but maybe.. maybe I can help someone else. And, that is the purpose of this blog.
I hope you have a good weekend.
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