1st Sunday of Lent

Commentary

Luke 4: 1-13

The Son of God

The devil twice uses the phrase “the Son of God” in his challenges (temptations).  And Jesus three times teaches how the Son of God operates – with self, with others, and with God.

First, the Son of God is not self-centered, even when it comes to taking care of his legitimate needs (his hunger after forty days of eating nothing).

Second, the Son of God does not seek to control others.

Third, the Son of God does not manipulate God.  He lives his life according to the will of God.

Most significantly, the place of the third temptation – to challenge God is Jerusalem. [1]   There, at the end of His earthly life, the Son of God will ultimately render his very life to the will of the Father. 

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[1] Luke Timothy Johnson, The Gospel of Luke, Sacra Pagina Series. Collegeville, MN. Liturgical Press, 1991; p. 90.