We often misunderstand the kind of self-denial and sacrifice called for in following Christ. Our misunderstanding stems from the claims that Jesus makes in a conversation with his disciples. Jesus tells his disciples that he soon must undergo great suffering, and that we too must take up our own daily cross to follow him. From this claim, we get the idea that following Jesus might create tension between our wills and the will of God. In reality, the sacrifice and self-denial Jesus calls for does the very opposite—it brings the kind of peace possible only by living in a manner consistent with the values of God.
Jesus proves this point in confronting several temptations in the desert before starting his public ministry. Satan presents these temptations to entice Jesus away from his original purpose—to do the will of God. In tempting Jesus, the devil tries to repeat his success with Adam and Eve. Satan tempts Adam and Eve with what appears to be an attractive alternative to the life and mission God had given them. Satan seduces Adam and Eve into believing that they would be as gods, if only they would follow his command. Satan offers Adam and Eve a different interpretation of their lives, and they buy into it. Instead of holding fast to the life and mission that God had given them, Adam and Eve settle for the illusion invented by Satan.
Jesus, on the other hand, does not buy into the interpretation of his life and mission that Satan offers. The devil tries to seduce Jesus into believing that Jesus’ mission is to be financially secure with material wealth and political power. Jesus rejects that interpretation and holds fast to the life and mission that God gives him. He understands and accepts what faithfulness entails for him in this world despite the self-denial and suffering involved—and God rewards his faithfulness. For, the angels come and minister to Jesus after he successfully resists these temptations and reaffirms his faithfulness to God, no matter the cost.
The success of Jesus in resisting these temptations gives the impression that he’s now off the hook. He’s proven his mettle as the faithful Son of God and will no longer endure temptation of any kind. In reality, the desert temptations were only an example and prelude to the temptations that Jesus would continually face throughout his earthly life (Lk 4:13; Mt 16:23). This reality is the basis for Paul’s claim that Jesus is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses…because he has been tested in every way like we are, yet is without sin” (Heb 4:15).
Hunger, grief, rejection, homelessness, and the unrelenting threat to his life posed by the Pharisees were no less difficult for Jesus than for anyone. These conditions alone would pose a constant temptation for Jesus to abandon his mission and avoid the easily foreseeable cruel death he would endure. So, no, Jesus was not let off the hook once he conquered the desert temptations.
We might be tempted to think that such temptations are not ours to deal with and overcome. And yet, with all the glamor and attractions of modern life, listening and responding to the Word of God is a challenge at times, to say the least. There are many other voices competing for our attention and devotion. Do we follow a voice alien to our Father in heaven? Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice and follow him (Jn 10:27). Do we accept the interpretation of our lives that others try to impose on us? Do we let others decide who we are or who we should be? Do we abandon the grace and purpose that God gives us in favor of the interpretation that others have for us? Do we respond to temptation like the Israelites in the desert who chose a golden calf idol over the true God, or do we follow Jesus in the desert and remain faithful to God no matter the cost?
We are children of God. Jesus said that being a member of his family meant not only hearing the Word of God, but acting on it as well (Luke 8:19-21). As children of God, we are called not only to be hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word (Jm 1:22-25). Lent is a time of preparation and choice to adopt and follow the values of God.
May these days of Lent be our preparation to imitate the faithfulness of Jesus. We have Jesus’ word that the Holy Spirit is our guide and helper (Acts 1:3-4). His own response to temptations in the desert is reason enough to believe that Jesus will keep his word. For, we have a high priest able to sympathize with our weaknesses in every way (Heb 4:15). In that case, we can be sure that following Jesus creates harmony with the will of God and brings the peace he offers to his faithful ones.
No comments:
Post a Comment