The Temptations Of Christ by Kathy McEldowney

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Slide Notes

What happened before Jesus’ temptations?

• Baptism in the Jordan

• Went to the desert to pray and fast for 40 days.

• “40” – in Scripture represents a period of trial and preparation.

• Israelites in desert for 40 years:

o Punishment for sins of idolatry and distrust of God.

o Prepared them for entrance into the Promised Land.

• Lent – 40 days of fasting and preparation for the holiest time of the Liturgical Year.

• Fasting (definition) – Refraining from food or drink as an expression of interior penance.

• Jesus would have been very hungry and weak.

• Why does the devil try to tempt Christ? – wanted to test Him.

• Temptation (definition) - An attraction to act contrary to right reason and the commandments of God.

The Temptations Of Christ

Published on Nov 20, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

The Temptations of Christ

First Temptation

"Command this stone become bread..."

• “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (Lk 4:3)

• Temptation of the pleasures of the flesh.

• Original Sin made the body no longer completely subject to the will; this can lead us to sin.

• Satan was attempting to make Christ’s self-sacrifice seem unreasonable.

• Jesus’ response: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4)

o The desires of the flesh do not satisfy.

o Only obedience to God’s will satisfies.

o Christ is Bread that satisfies the soul – Eucharist.

o St. Catherine of Siene lived for a time only eating the Eucharist.

Second Temptation

“Throw yourself down..."

• “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give his angels charge of you.’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” (Mt 4:5-6)

• Temptation of the easy path.

• The devil tempted Jesus to perform a great miracle in front of the religious leaders of Israel.

• He would be able to be declared Messiah without the cross.

Third temptation

“All these I will give to you..."

• “All these I will give to you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Mt 4:8-9)

• Temptation of power, riches, and glory.

• Many thought that the Messiah would be a military/political leader.

• Jesus was the rightful King of all peoples – His Kingdom is not of this world.

Christ is the new Adam

The three temptations in the Original Sin:

• Pleasures of the flesh – apple looked “good to eat.”

• Easy path – wanted to be like God without God.

• Power – wanted the Knowledge of good and evil.