In this first session we explore what we can learn from the temptations Jesus faced in preparation for ministry and what temptations face us as Christians.
The relationship between fasting and temptation is complex. On the one hand, fasting helps us to develop spiritual tools for combatting temptation. On the other hand when we are hungry, we are physically weaker and may be prone to more temptation than we would be otherwise.
Yet, Jesus felt it necessary to undergo this long period of self -denial where he must have spent time reflecting on the Law and the Prophets as he prepared for his ministry ahead. He was following the pattern in the Old Testament.
‘Fasting traditionally foreshadowed a great spiritual struggle. His readers would know that from the Hebrew scriptures. Matthew did not need to tell them that both Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days and nights and that the outcome for them was spectacular. Moses came down from his fast on Mount Sinai with a shining face and the tablets of stone on which were inscribed the 10 commandments (Exodus 34 28 -29 ). Elijah ended his fast at mount Horeb, experiencing the power of wind, earthquake and fire before he finally encountered the ‘still small voice’ (1 kings 19 12).’
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‘We could summarize all these temptations of Jesus as being enticements to shortcuts. Jesus came into the world to fulfil a mission that was costly and difficult. To see it through, Jesus knew he had to face hardship, rejection, injustice, persecution and death. Satan attempted him to achieve the outcome without the pain ……but Jesus refused, quoting the Hebrew scriptures as his resource. Yet Matthew shows that enormous integrity was needed to fulfil those scriptures; there was no place for cutting corners.’
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Temptation is an issue for all of us. Those times in our lives where we feel most vulnerable to temptation are the ones where we need most reassurance of God’s love. Yet people sometimes fail to receive that love and forgiveness because they can’t face the fact that they have done wrong. Sometimes pride holds us back. Sometimes we live with denial and delusion about ourselves. That is why the Psalmist at the end of Psalm 139 prays:
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Perhaps this prayer might be yours throughout this period of Lent.
We thank you God that your Son resisted the temptation to seek an easy way out for his work on earth. We pray now for your help in those times in our lives when we feel weak and temptation seems strong. May we draw on your strength and love to live without fear or compromise. Amen