The gospel on the first Sunday of Lent is from Luke 4:1-13. In it we read about how Satan aggressively but unsuccessfully tempted Jesus in the desert.
The first temptation took advantage of Jesus’ hunger. With the Lord having fasted for 40 days, Satan knew that Jesus craved for food to eat. The tempter said, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “One does not live on bread alone.” To this statement, Matthew’s version of the same story adds, “but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
The second temptation revolved around the attraction for worldly fame and power. Satan said, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus answered, “It is written, you shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
The third and last temptation was an attempt to manipulate Jesus to manifest his Divine authority in the wrong way. With Jesus and Satan at the parapet of the temple, Satan said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus replied, “It also says: ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’”
What reflections can we draw out from this encounter between Jesus and Satan?
First reflection is that the devil is real, and so are the temptations that he brings. If he tried to pull Jesus down, he will also attempt to damage the lives of God’s adopted children. The devil was a murderer and a liar from the beginning (John 8:44); he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). As the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9), he entices people with the passing pleasures and false promises of sin, only to end up in misery, brokenness, and death.
Second reflection is that the devil is an opportunist. He must have known that Jesus was hungry, so he tempted him to turn the stones into food. He must have understood that Jesus’ ministry will follow the way of simplicity and humility, so he tempted him with pomp and glory in exchange for devil worship. He must have known that Jesus will save the world through the cross, so he tempted him with an easy way out to avoid suffering and death, contrary to the Father’s will. The devil does the same thing to all human beings. He exploits our weaknesses and attacks us in spots where we are most vulnerable. He “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Third reflection is that the devil uses Scriptures but distorts their real meanings in order to suit his evil ways. It can be noticed that in the gospel, Satan quoted Bible passages, but for the wrong reasons and wrong interpretations. He still does today through the mouths of false prophets corrupt preachers, or even their unsuspecting followers, who, by their heretical teachings and adulterated messages, mislead people from the right path and lead them to eternal condemnation. Jesus warned us, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Fourth reflection is that while physical needs are important, spiritual needs matter most. The body is temporal but the sol is eternal. Jesus taught us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). He also said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna” (Matthew 10:28).
Fifth reflection is that worship is due to the Creator and not to creatures or created things. To worship the latter instead of God is to commit the sin of idolatry – a grave sin that invites God’s wrath (Romans 1:18-32). The first of the ten commandments was very clear, “I am the Lord your God, you shall not have other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:2-3).
Sixth reflection is that God’s power is intended to serve only God’s purposes. Surely, God’s promises are all true, for he can never lie (Numbers 23:19) but these promises should never be invoked to realize evil motives. God’s word is powerful; it will not return to him empty but will accomplish the purpose for which he sent it (Isaiah 11:10-11). And his purpose will always be for good, for God is holy and everything he does is holy.
Seventh and last reflection is that every Christian can fight temptation with the grace of God. Jesus gave us the example. Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” Akin to this, Paul wrote, “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Temptations abound in this life, but we can always rely on God’s protection. By his grace, we can live a victorious life.
