THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST
Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7 | Psalm 50 | Romans 5:12–19 | Matthew 4:1–11
Temptation is the heartbeat of today’s readings. Lent is a season of spiritual ascent, yet no spiritual height is free from opposition. Every genuine journey toward God attracts resistance. In Scripture, temptation is not merely an urge to sin; it is a trial that confronts human freedom; a moment where one must choose faithfulness or betrayal.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were tempted with the illusion of “something better.” They fell. In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted with shortcuts to glory, but He stood firm. Jumping down is shortcut, but using the step is due process or if you like God’s process. Shortcuts often brings about disgrace, God’s process brings God’s promises.
Beloved, we can rise, we can stand, we can move. Where the first Adam failed, the New Adam triumphed. This is why St. Paul presents Christ in the second reading as the obedient Son, whose fidelity restores what disobedience destroyed. If we must not fall into temptation, we must learn how Christ won.
WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT: Every victory over temptation makes us more like Jesus—and no one defeats temptation without the Holy Spirit. The Gospel is clear: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. He did not fight temptation with human willpower alone, but with divine empowerment. The Holy Spirit is the active power of God in every authentic Christian life. Without Him, human nature collapses under pressure. With Him, weakness becomes strength. As Scripture says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). To live in the Spirit requires daily discipline; prayer, attentiveness, and obedience so that we respond to God’s impulses, not the world’s seductions. God’s call over the world’s call.
WE NEED THE WORD OF GOD: The Word of God is not decoration; it is spiritual weaponry. Scripture is our strongest defense against satanic attacks. The Psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps 119:11). When Satan tempted Jesus, Christ did not argue, He quoted Scripture. And when the Word was spoken, the devil retreated. The devil may be cunning, but the Word of God makes us wiser than our enemies (Ps 119:97–98). A Christian who does not know the Bible is spiritually unarmed. As Proverbs warns, “A soul without knowledge is not good” (Prov 19:2).
WE NEED TO PRAY: Temptation thrives where prayer is neglected. Jesus warned His disciples in Gethsemane: “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation” (Matt 26:41). Prayer does not remove temptation—it prepares us to survive it. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus Himself teaches us to pray not to be led into temptation. Why? Because He knows us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen spiritual forces. Christ understands temptation personally, and Scripture assures us: “Because He Himself suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18). The days are evil—pray, lest you fall.
WE MUST AVOID VAIN GLORY: Spiritual power is not for performance. What we see today in many churches is a dangerous distortion, power displayed without purpose. Jesus rejected the devil’s shortcuts – an invitation to turn stones into bread, to jump from the temple, and to gain power through false worship. He had the power—but He refused to misuse it. Miracles are not for ego; they are for salvation. Yet many today—young and old, clergy and laity, are falling for these same traps. Vain glory always ends in vanity.
RESIST THE DEVIL: Jesus’ command, “Begone, Satan!” reveals that resistance is authority. As James teaches, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Today, the devil still offers shortcuts; quick wealth, easy fame, counterfeit power. Scripture is filled with examples of resistance: Job rejected corrupt counsel, Joseph fled temptation despite opportunity, and Paul warned Timothy to flee youthful passions (2 Tim 2:22).
Lent teaches us that temptation is inevitable, but defeat is optional. Christ did not avoid temptation; He conquered it—and in doing so, showed us the way. The temptation of Jesus equally reminds us that as priests, prophets, and kings in Christ, we will be tempted, especially in areas of wealth, power, and desire. BE AN OVERCOMER.
LET US PRAY
Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observance of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and, by worthy conduct, pursue their saving effects.
Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
