‘Jump down from this tower. The angels will come and save you – these scriptures that you keep going on about say just that, don’t they?’
The devil, the tempter, the one who argues so convincingly, is, we learn is crafty – a wonderfully evocative word. He knows his craft, he’s a skilled debater. Here Jesus is tempted to rely on words from Psalm 91. Another quick fix, a gesture that will wow the crowds gathered at the foot of the Temple tower, some 450 feet down. A falling body suddenly swept to safety by the legions of angels, what easier way to convince the people of who he is? No need for a public ministry, never mind any hardship. A public spectacular would be so much easier; no passion, no cross. All over in a moment.
Jesus goes back to Deuteronomy for a third and final time (6 v. 16) and answers that tempting God, seeking the easy way out rather than walking the path of truth and self-giving love, is no path for any child of God. One day wonders are just that; burning truth and compassionate love have eternal foundations and lasting value for ever.
So, Jesus wins the battle, but not yet the war. The darkness of the devil is seen off for the time being, biding his time to try again. The final battle with which the war is finally won will come in the face of another ‘if’. ‘If you are the Son of God, come down, now, from the cross!’
There, then, are three cases of the path of ease being rejected and the path of truth maintained. The stories convey evident truth with which we can all identify:
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Evil is real and potent and its voice can sound so attractively reasonable.
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To resist requires strength of faith, mind and purpose.
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Evil presents us with real choices and challenges us as individuals to exercise free will for good outcomes.
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Evil is not always obvious. The tempter comes in many forms, so be alert.
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Evil’s paths seem attractive, but the journey down them leads to a distance from the Father and rejection of our life as his children.
In a verse more usually associated with the celebration of Christmas, St John reminds us that ‘to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become the children of God.’ (John 1v. 12).
This Lent may your eyes and ears be clear to recognise the powerful attraction of evil in all its guises, and may your hearts and minds be strong to receive the light, life and grace which Jesus offers. May you be led relentlessly down the paths of truth as children of God.
+ John Swansea & Brecon