I was reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested. After forty days alone in the desert, he’s hungry and physically exhausted. The devil appears and enters into a conversation with Jesus.
The devil is smart and slithers in to tempt Jesus to deny his true self with that familiar phrase of doubt; “If you are…” The Devil confidently and persuasively quotes Hebrew Scripture to unnerve Jesus. He promises him power, wealth and influence. Jesus remains true to himself.
He won’t be bought. He rejects the temptation and takes command: “Away with you Satan!”
The more I reflected on this dramatic scene the more I realised the scene is now. The smart and articulate voice of deception continues to slither in and cause doubt, uncertainly and confusion. The devil is cunning, baffling and powerful.
Virginia Ryan