Comments on: The Temptations of Christ

By: Norm

Norm — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:40:39 +0000

Jeremiah, let me see if I understand your “Jesus was tempeted of everything.” When God sends his son to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, what we read there is just a glimpse of what Christ endured during his life. There were other times that God tested or tempted him that we don’t see in the Gospels. Temptations or testing that leap beyond power, hunger or forsaking his “calling.” Temptations like illicit drugs, sexual temptations, temptations to hurt with words or actions; temptations to cheat or lie and more. We see little indication of any of these when it comes to his life and ministry. That does not necessarily mean these things did not happen but it seems odd there is little hint of them

When we look at all the great figures of Scripture whether it’s Moses, David, Peter or Paul there is almost always a hint at their weaknesses. Not so with the Messiah. Perhaps the Garden episode is close, but that’s about it.

Perhaps you can clarify what you mean and provide some evidence of the “everything.”

Thanks for your comments and interest.

By: jeremiah17

jeremiah17 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:55:14 +0000

Jesus was tempted of everything.

By: Norm

Norm — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:38:40 +0000

Jim, your initial comment is testimony to how commentator’s influence our understanding of Scripture. It may be true about the intended audience, similar to what they taught me in seminary, but that gives us an implied lense to read the message. It may not have been that simple. It’s a decent starting point for understanding the four gospels, but it may not explain Mark’s brevity as much as his attempt at remembering the preaching/teaching of Peter and revisiting that FOR the Christians at Rome – no so much as TO the Christians at Rome.

Regarding my comment to Kit about “pain”. It was not that I could feel Christ’s pain “having never been crucified” it was that he was feeling MY pain. The pain of sin. I obviously did not phrase that clearly in my reply.

Just a comment about your “God said it, I don’t HAVE to believe it, that’s it…God’s word IS the gospel.”
That phrase is packed with difficulty. I’m fairly certain, having read your blog, that you may not subscribe to that totally. Nevertheless, it does provide a certain background regarding ones view of inspiration.

By: James Warren

James Warren — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:28:23 +0000

On your last comment to Kit – How can we, as human, feel Christ’s pain on the Cross and have never been crucified. Why is it a stretch of the imagination that Christ, as GOD, could feel our guilt and other emotions having never sinned. What do you think.

By: James Warren

James Warren — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:21:13 +0000

Hi Norm,

As per usual, very nice job. The temptations are indeed an interesting study.

The reason that Mark is a little sparse in his narration is because of the differing themes of each book. Each Gospel presents Christ as a different person. Let me quickly explain.

The Gospel of Matthew presents Christ as King (The prophesied King). Matthew was written for the Jews.

The Gospel of Mark presents Christ as servant (The obedient servant). Mark was written for the Romans.

The Gospel of Luke presents Christ as man (The perfect man). Luke was written for the Greeks.

The Gospel of John presents Christ as God (The divine Son). John was written for the world.

That was an interesting statement put forth by the Pope but it had one flaw: using man’s theory to explain and question God and His Word. Hebrews 4:15 is good enough for me.

There’s an old saying that says, “God said it, I believe it, that’s it.” I have a different take on that. It goes something like this, “God said, I don’t HAVE to believe it, that’s it.” In other words God’s Word IS the Gospel. (Pun intended.)

Good job Norm.

L8R Brother