Sketchy Lent: Worldly Power
A visual devotional on Jesus' tempation in the wilderness in the run up to Easter
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." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" (Matthew 4:8-10, ESV)
The Temptation of Worldly Power
After being tempted with food and testing God, the devil tests Jesus one last time. This time he offers him all the kingdoms of the world if he will simply bow and worship him.
It was the offer of power without going through the suffering and sacrifice of the cross.
Jesus again points to Deuteronomy 6 for his rebuke. Unlike the Israelites who we say last time turned to false gods, Jesus reaffirms his commitment to the Father and his will. Even though it means the cross.
While you’ve probably never had the Devil come up to you directly to tempt you, I’m sure you’ve been tempted in a similar way. After all most modern marketing is all about power/success/a better life without any suffering or cost.
Unfortunately, we all will fail and fall short.
We see it with Israel time and time again. Even King Solomon (a man blessed with Wisdom) ended up worshipping other Gods.
Luckily for us, Jesus was able to live the perfect life, laying down his life when we could not.
Lent is a time when we can examine our hearts, and repent of where we’ve gone astray. It’s a time when we can recommit ourselves to God and focus on his kingdom not gaining worldly power. And most of all, it’s a time when we can thank God for his grace and faithfulness even when we fail.
Reflections
What areas of your life do you face temptations for worldly power — money, sex, power, other?
What suffering or sacrifice do you often try to avoid?
At the end of the Beatitudes, Jesus says “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” what would it look like for you to seek first God’s kingdom?
Prayer
Father, You alone are worthy of worship. Your kingdom is worth far more than all that we can have in the world. Forgive us for when we look to worldly desires or avoid the cost of following You. Help us to notice and resist temptation when it arises. Thank You that Jesus was faithful and in him, we too are counted as faithful. May Your kingdom come today and Your will be done in our lives.
Amen