First Sunday Lent - Temptation of Christ - Gospel of Matthew

First Sunday of Lent Temptation of Christ

March 13, 2011
March 9, 2014
March 5, 2017
March 1, 2020 
February 26, 2023

“The Lord allowed the devil to tempt him so that we would have his example as well as the power of his help when we face temptation.” Saint Leo the Great

Why do we spend forty days in our own spiritual desert every year during Lent? Why forty? In the Old Testament Noah stays in the ark forty days; the Israelites wander in the desert forty years eating manna; and Moses resides on Mount Sinai forty days conversing with God.

What is so important about this number? The normal length of gestation of a baby in the womb is forty weeks. Before Jesus began his earthly ministry he was led by the Holy Spirit “forty days in the wilderness,” where he fasted and was tempted by the devil. Forty days, weeks, years, a long time for some, but is it enough? Maybe that is why we are brought back to the desert every year for forty days – as a reminder.

In today’s gospel, Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is asked by the devil to misuse the power he has been given by his Father. He is tempted three times, encouraged to think of himself and his own comfort at the expense of others. Satan’s reasons even sound reasonable or logical. After all Jesus IS God, he can do anything.

In the first temptation the devil demands Jesus perform a self-serving miracle. Jesus is fasting, he must be hungry, there is no food, Jesus is God and capable of turning the desert stones into bread. Not submitting, Jesus draws strength to continue his fast by reciting the Word of God, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

In the second temptation the devil suggests that Jesus prove he is God by amazing the world with a dazzling exhibition; jump from the top of the temple and survive. If you need help, don't worry the Angels will catch you. Again Jesus calls on the Word of God, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

In the third temptation Satan took Jesus to a high mountain, showing him all the kingdoms of the world he suggests Jesus sell himself out. "All these I shall give you, if your will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this Jesus responds, "Get away, Satan!  It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

During Lent we are reminded that we are sinners, in need of repentance. Though try as we might we cannot rid ourselves of temptation or sin on our own. This is only accomplished by the grace of God, who is always there to pick up the pieces when we meet difficulties, always willing to forgive, always ready with a second chance. 

This Lent put your trust in God and do as Jesus did when warding off temptation keep the Word of God always on your mind, on your lips and forever in your heart. 


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Art
Temptation of Christ - Botticelli
Temptation of Christ - Rubens
Temptation of Christ - Botticelli