We usually read this text to see how Jesus was tempted and how he responded. Let’s do that again, together, but with a goal of seeing what’s missing from the temptation experience.
Jesus was hungry, thirsty and tired. Stop for a moment and think about your own hunger. How do you act toward food when hungry? What about thirst? On a hot summer day or during a ball game or a workout, how do you react to thirst? What about fatigue? How do you act when tired?
Hunger, thirst and fatigue are basic human appetites. They are strong desires for basic life needs. None of us function as well hungry, thirsty or tired as we do when these appetites are satisfied.
The temptations Satan threw in front of Jesus were all about appetite.
The first temptation was about prestige and hunger… (Matthew 4:3 ). IF you are the son of God…satisfy your hunger!
The second temptation was all about prestige (Matthew 4:6-6 ). IF you are the son of God…. Is there a stronger appetite than the desire for recognition?
The third temptation ( Matthew 4:8-9 ) is about prestige and greed. The devil says, “Here’s all this stuff I control… If you’ll esteem me higher than God, you can have it all!”
In the end…the temptations were all about appetites…desires. What are they NOT about?
Jesus wasn’t tempted (at least in this episode) based on his purpose or his goals. His vision statement wasn’t challenged. His mission statement wasn’t criticized. The temptations were all aimed at the building blocks of human nature: appetites.
Developing belief statements and list of values is a good exercise. We need to know what we believe and what that calls upon us to do. We need to understand our purpose, as much as we can, in God’s universe. We should have vision ( Proverbs 29:18 ). We have a mission ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). These are all necessary for us to get things done. Jesus knew his. He just wasn’t tempted based on them.
The temptation to indulge the appetites at the expense of beliefs, values, vision, mission, and goals is a real danger. It was a danger for Jesus. It was a problem for Esau. It was a temptation for Joseph. It’s a problem for me. It’s trouble for you.
What appetites give you the most grief?
Where do you seem to do well…only to give in?
In times of failing, what/who is your focus?
In time of success, what/who is your focus?
What/who can you focus on to help put your appetites in perspective?
Got more questions? Answers? Observations?
I’d love to here from you.
Blessings,
Michael
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I hope you enjoy your time on the site and that something in these pages encourages your journey along the Way of Jesus. All thoughts here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of others or of organizations with which I am affiliated. 
I think in times of failure or success, just the simple fact that you have an end result to focus on is key.
If you were trying lose a pound or two, you would go buy a pair of jeans maybe one size smaller. Something visual that would stimulate your will.
But whatever it is, it’s got to be big enough to keep your focus when the distraction, or “Ben and Jerry’s” comes to your door…
Ultimate reality: It’s best to achieve with someone else to help. There is power in numbers.
~Uppie
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Dude… I have plenty of size-too-small clothes. I still hate the scale!
Achieving with help. Jesus had help when he was faced with the human nature “needs” of food, power, prestige and wealth.
Here’s the good news: He offers us the same help to journey with us…but it’s based on trusting him. Get over the need to please him (or people using his name).
Oh…and find a group of people who are doing the same. You’ll still need human support, especially when Ben & Jerry come calling!
Peace,
Michael