Jesus Shows Us How to Live
I have heard a couple commentaries on today’s Gospel that have stayed with me. The first offers this passage as a practical way for each of us to combat the temptations we experience. Jesus relies on the word of God to refute Satan. Three times he is tempted and three times he responds with “it is written.” Jesus knows the power of God’s Word – He is God’s Word – and we do too.
The Bible is filled with God’s Word and it helps us in our own challenges and temptations. We have the Ten Commandments as a skeleton to hold us up. We have the Beatitudes to show us how to live. There are all kinds of parables to aid us in understanding what God desires of us. We also have recourse to Him – Jesus, the Living Word – when we need help. We know we can call on Him and He will be there. We know the power of His name. Sometimes that may be all we can muster, but it is sufficient. The name of Jesus has authority and power.
The second commentary compared the three temptations of Jesus to the Israelites. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Jesus spent forty days and forty nights there. The Israelites put the Lord to the test three times and failed. Jesus was tempted three times and was victorious.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus models for us how to live. He demonstrates compassion, truth, and forgiveness and expects us to do the same. He truly is the fulfillment of the old covenant, tying up the loose ends, and bringing us all to salvation.
— Merridith Frediani
Reflection provided by diocesan.com. Reprinted with permission.