Rereading into the Temptations of Jesus in the Present day Context

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  First Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Matthew 34: 1-11*

*First Reading :  Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7*

*Responsorial Psalm : 51: 3-17*

*Second Reading : 5:12-19*

*Rereading into the Temptations of Jesus in the Present day Context* 

*1) Three Temptations* 

*A) Turn stones into bread* – Temptation of physical need and self-satisfaction.

*B) Jump from the temple pinnacle* – Temptation of pride, fame, and testing God.

*C) Bow down and worship Satan for all kingdoms* – Temptation of power and worldly glory.

Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture (from Deuteronomy), showing obedience and trust in God.

*2) Significance of These Temptations?*

*A) Jesus as the New Israel* : Jesus relives Israel’s 40 years in the desert during His 40 days of fasting. Where Israel failed (complaining about bread, testing God, turning to idols), Jesus remains faithful.

*B) Jesus as the New Adam* : Where Adam fell in temptation, Jesus stands firm. He reverses humanity’s disobedience through obedience.

*C) Revelation of True Messiahship* : 

*Satan tempts Jesus to*: Use power for Himself, Seek spectacular recognition, Gain authority without the Cross

*But Jesus chooses* : Dependence on God, Humility, The way of suffering and obedience

This shows that God’s kingdom is not built on spectacle, comfort, or domination.

*3) Understanding the Temptations in the Present-Day Context* 

These temptations are not just historical—they describe the ongoing human struggle.

*A) First Temptation: Stones into Bread* 

*Modern form*: Materialism and consumerism

“My life is about earning, possessing, enjoying.”

Identity based on salary, property, comfort.

Jesus says: “Man shall not live by bread alone.”

Meaning: We are more than economic beings. Spiritual hunger is deeper than physical hunger.

Today this temptation appears as: Workaholism, Constant desire for more, Measuring success only in money

*B) Second Temptation: Jump from the Temple* 

*Modern form*: Ego, image, and social validation

Desire to be admired

Social media validation culture

“If God loves me, He must prove it.”

*Testing God today looks like*: 

Demanding miracles on our terms

Treating faith as a performance

Using religion for prestige

Jesus teaches: Do not manipulate God for attention.

*C) Third Temptation: Worship for Power* 

*Modern form*: Power, influence, control

Political ambition without morality, Corruption, Sacrificing values for success

*Satan offers shortcuts*: Success without sacrifice, Authority without integrity, Glory without the Cross

Jesus rejects this: Worship God alone.

*4) How Does “Satan” Appear in Present-Day Life?*

Satan may not appear visibly—but temptation works through:

*A) Ideologies* : Extreme materialism, Secularism that denies spiritual dimension, “You are what you own.”

*B) Systems* : Corrupt economic systems, Exploitation in business, Power politics without conscience

*C) Inner Voice* : Temptation often sounds reasonable: “Everyone does it.” “You deserve this.” “No one will know.” “This is practical.” 

Satan in Scripture is the “tempter” and “accuser.” In modern life, this appears as: Subtle compromise, Moral relativism, Gradual dulling of conscience

*5) Materialistic Outlook and the Temptation Today*

*Materialism says*: Happiness = Possessions, Security = Wealth, Identity = Status, 

*But this leads to*: Anxiety, Comparison, Emptiness, Loss of spiritual depth

*Jesus’ response teaches*: Dependence on God, Simplicity, Integrity, Worship directed only to God

Materialism is not just about having things — it is about making things ultimate.

*6) Points to Ponder*

What Is My “Bread”? : What do I think I cannot live without? Money? Recognition? Control?

Do I Test God? : Do I pray only when I need something dramatic?

What Am I Willing to Bow To? : Career? Popularity? Political identity? Comfort?

Am I Choosing the Cross or the Shortcut? : The Christian path is not immediate glory but faithful obedience.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*