New Levels New Devils
I get into a bit of trouble with my theologian-friends when I (half-jokingly) call the late-Notorious B.I.G. a prophet. I say it in reference to his 1997 hit “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Trust me, I don’t mean to exalt Biggie to the stature of the biblical prophet; I’m just saying he was on to something to suggest that opposition arises as influence grows. But for the sake of our discussion I’ll employ a more palatable church colloquialism: New Levels New Devils.
After a Divine public endorsement of Jesus’ ministry, and on the threshold of advancing the Messianic Kingdom, Jesus was led to the wilderness to endure temptations. Right as His influence is about to skyrocket, His character was tested. We too will find as our influence grows, so does the intensity of opposition; but the angles of temptation remain the same.
Temptation to Use Power for Self-Appeasement. On the heels of a forty-day fast, Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into loaves of bread (Matthew 4:3). The temptation posed here is for Jesus is to take His position as the Son of God and use it to His own advantage. Satan was tempting Jesus to use His Divine prerogatives to appease and make things easier for Himself.
Temptation to Use Power for Self-Promotion. For the second temptation Satan tries a different approach. He takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone’” (Matthew 4:5-6). The intent is to force God’s hand to rescue Jesus in some dramatic fashion so His popularity would rise. The temptation is to use your power, influence, and unique relationship with the Father to make a name for yourself.
Temptation to Use Power for Self-Interest. The third and final test involves worship. “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me’” (Matthew 4:8-9). It was already Jesus’ destiny to inherit all the kingdoms of the world and their glory (Revelation 11:15). Jesus refused to take Satan’s proposed shortcut to power by forcefully taking control of something that was already His to inherit through sacrifice and self-denial.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Jesus provides a clear incarnate representation of how to possess power, yet maintain a sense of calling and accountability. Let’s look to Jesus for help in navigating the temptations we encounter through our season of transition in preparation for our future.
Reflect:
Respond:
Are you aware of these angles of temptation in your own life? How might your personal and cultural capital and influence be used to bring about moral social order rather than advance a personal agenda?