Temptation of Jesus

Temptation of Jesus
Matt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12, 13; Lk 4:1-13

A summary of exegetical insights into this familiar passage on the 3 temptations of Jesus.

Temptation to be (from Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus)
1. Relevant (stones)
2. Spectacular (throw from temple)
3. Powerful (kingdoms)

3 temptations correspond 3 worldly sins (1 Jn 2:12-17)
1. Lust of the flesh (stones)
2. Lust of the eyes (kingdoms)
3. Pride of life (throw from temple)

3 Ps of temptation
1. Pleasure (stones)
2. Possessions (kingdoms)
3. Power/Pride (throw from temple)

See also
21st century temptation and the 1st Sunday of Lent
3 Temptations of Leadership - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Nouwen's understanding of Leadership
A first eleven: leadership