The Desire to Solve, Fix, & Convince

It's just not Jesus' way.

Not that it’s never important, but it seems especially critically crucial in this moment that followers of Christ discern what is or isn’t of Jesus by Jesus’ own terms. He himself told his disciples that many would claim to come in his name. Many would declare him to be Lord. And yet that these claims and declarations are not the essence of what it is to follow him.

I hold Luke 4 to be an essential part of the picture of Jesus, particularly what we will read tomorrow in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Today’s passage - Jesus’ trial in the desert - is deeply formational. The temptations set before him - all of which he outright rejects - are notable. And the human desire behind each is just so tempting, particularly for those in power. Jesus could have maximized each one of these easily, bearing the power of God and all. But his restraint is remarkable.

The ministry Jesus’ restraint goes on to demonstrate must be the mold for those following him today and forever. He is not dominant because he took up power, but because he laid down his life.

Consider the temptations and how you see these at play today:

1. The ability to multiply resources.
   If only we had more stuff, we could solve everything.

2. Political gain and glory.
   If only we had political power, we could control everything.

3. Religious spectacle.
   If only we could put on a good enough show, we could prove everything.

Luke 4:1-15

Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.”

Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”

The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.”

Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.

Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

Psalm 20:7-8

Some people trust in chariots, others in horses;
but we praise the Lord’s name.
They will collapse and fall,
but we will stand up straight and strong.

Prayer

God,

So many place their trust in resources (or the promise thereof), in political power, in spectacle. If I’m honest, sometimes I do, too. It feels easier, faster, more effective. But in terms of Kingdom resonance, these things fail again and again. And honestly, I’m so privileged, my temptation is to just shut up and let it happen. But I’m truly concerned for those who are not, who have no buttresses of family, finances, or demographic fitness.

So I confess that the pull is strong, to think more stuff could solve everything, more power could fix everything, more spectacle could convince everything. We see these forces at work in our world, sometimes in your church, and sometimes in our own hearts.

Keep us from both the illusion of victory, but also from despair, Lord. Remind us that Jesus chose another way: restraint, trust (in your provision), compassion, and faithfulness. Help us to cling to him when shortcuts look appealing and false hopes glitter before us.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.