Lent 1: Temptation (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7)
So much theology depends on interpretations of this story, that our first task must be to read what is actually written. For example, while we would equate the serpent with Satan, the writer of Genesis does not—the serpent is simply one of the animals God has made. The tempter isn’t described as evil, but cunning, and he is both truthful and deceiving. Eating the fruit does not result in death, at least not immediately, and it does bring knowledge, but not godlike. Notice that both the man and the woman are present throughout the story, although only the woman speaks. The consequences of eating the fruit are the same for both, and they respond in the same way. The man and woman are equal partners in succumbing to temptation. Finally, there is no description of original sin, in the sense that later generations are somehow tainted by, or responsible for, this first bad decision. The story of the “Fall” of our mythical ancestors describes human reality, somehow unable to live up to our ideals and potential, no matter how appealing.
Some interpreters contend that the man and the woman are not fully human in their innocent garden state—notice that they don’t even have names yet in this story! It isn’t until they gain knowledge, that they take on the responsibilities and possibilities of human living. Ideas about original sin aside, we tend to imagine that children are not responsible for decisions until they reach a certain age, and hopefully maturity. What part do choices and resisting temptation play in our maturing as believers? Is there something positive to be said about learning through our mistakes, or does sin make that impossible?
What is it about a clear commandment that makes it so tempting to disobey? St. Paul writes about this reality in his Letter to the Romans (Rom. 7:7,8), contending that law creates temptation. How would you define sin?
If we read a few verses before and after this scene, we find that before eating the fruit, the man and woman are naked, but unashamed—apparently even unaware. After eating, shame at their nakedness causes them to hide from God (not a terribly rational thought, considering that God actually made them naked!). Their created nature, in God’s image, is somehow no longer good enough. How much of our own struggle with temptation is an attempt to make up for perceived inadequacies?
The man and woman do gain knowledge. Their eyes are open, they know they are naked, and they even know how to sew fig leaves! They know more than they did, but this knowledge does not bring life. They have knowledge without wisdom. In our own world we know how to do many things that are not necessarily good for us to do. How do you gain wisdom, that ability to use knowledge in service of life?
What other thoughts does this story bring us about the nature of temptation?
Matthew 4:1-11
When Jesus is baptized, a voice from heaven proclaims him to be the Son of God. Volumes have been written about the meaning of that phrase, which is found in biblical and other writings of the time. In the Bible angels, Israel’s kings, and even Israel itself are all called “sons of God.” For Romans, Son of God was another title for the emperor. Jesus is out in the wilderness to define what this title means for him.
In scripture, Satan is more prosecutor than tempter, and so in keeping with that role, he wants Jesus to prove that he is what the voice proclaimed, but Jesus refuses. With each temptation, instead Jesus defines his mission, and the path he will take.
Our lectionary has linked the story of Jesus’ temptation with the Garden of Eden, but Jesus focuses on another story. He takes his Bible quotes from Deuteronomy (Dt.8:3, 6:16, 6:13), and he isn’t quoting scripture out of context. The background of these stories helps make sense of Jesus’ responses:
Why should he not make stones into bread? In the desert, Israel learned to depend on God to provide for its needs. In the same way, Jesus chooses to trust in God and not his own miraculous abilities. So then, why not make a spectacular demonstration of this faith by jumping from the temple? In the wilderness, when Israel demanded that God perform according to its own script, it demonstrated that they were not yet ready to take on their role as God’s people. Finally, the devil suggests that the ends really justify the means by inviting Jesus to worship him and thereby gain all the power to do whatever he thinks best. In refusing this shortcut, Jesus chooses God’s Kingdom, and not the devil’s. Jesus defines his title by obedience and connection to God, not by the power he is able to wield. Jesus’ answers set him on the way of the cross—the sacrifice that leads to life, and the rest of the story will show what that means.
We say that “Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin.” What does the story of Jesus’ temptation have to do with our own experiences? How do our choices define us as God’s people? Where do we fall short?
What do we do that demonstrates our trust in God? What do we trust God for?
Notice that the Spirit sets Jesus up for this encounter. What makes it important to Jesus’ mission for him to go through this? Have you ever had the experience of a challenge or trial that made you stronger in faith or identity?
It has been pointed out that with miraculous power Jesus temporarily saves a few, but that in obedient surrender he saves the world. What makes it so important to our understanding of salvation that Jesus not avoid the cross? What does it mean to follow him if that is where he is going?