The Subtle Ways

While there are thousands of temptations the devil could have thrown Jesus' way, the three he did use failed to the point that he realized it was time to go home and come back another day.  It is interesting that Jesus was not tempted to do something like murder or stealing, but instead, was tempted to do some good things for the wrong reasons.  The devil does not always act in a "throw it in your face" manner, but through the guise of the subtle.    

There in the wilderness the devil suggested to Jesus to turn stones into bread.  What was being offered was a solution to the world's hunger problem, but Jesus said, "No."  The second temptation was one which would have provided personal protection from any harm, but once again, Jesus said, "No."  Finally, with the third temptation Jesus was shown a way to have the world at His feet without going to the cross and again, "No" was the response.   What Jesus was offered was shortcuts to the plan of God.  "You can feed the world's hungry.  You can have divine protection.  The kingdoms of the world can be yours without being lifted up on a cross.  All you have to do is to do it my way." 

Jesus heard the temptation to accomplish good by choosing the short cut and expediency.  It would have meant stepping away from the plan of God which Jesus would not do.  He would not step away from the way the Father worked even if it would enable Him to do good things for others and Himself.  The temptation story of Jesus opens up the door for us to see that one of the things the evil one often does is to tempt us to do good things for the wrong reasons.  It is also a reminder to walk the way of Jesus.