The Temptation of Simple Solutions

Lectionary reflections for the First Sunday in Lent (C)

by Tracey Lind

Readings for Lent 1, Year C, Feb. 29, 2004

• Deuteronomy 26:(1-4)5-11
• Romans 10:(5-8a)8b-13
• Luke 4:1-13

Many of us are tempted to dismiss information that will complicate or inconvenience our lives; others are tempted to accept easy answers to complex questions; and most of us succumb to the temptation of telling little lies when it's easier than speaking the truth. Temptation is a reality of our human existence.

Temptation is a fact of life. We all are tempted, each and every day, in big and little ways. When we're dieting, we are tempted by food and drink. When we face a difficult task (for example, the weekly sermon), we often procrastinate, giving into the temptation of avoidance. This time of the year, lots of us are tempted to cheat (just a little) on our taxes, perhaps rationalizing our motives as somewhat political and righteous. Many of us are tempted to dismiss information that will complicate or inconvenience our lives; others are tempted to accept easy answers to complex questions; and most of us succumb to the temptation of telling little lies when it's easier than speaking the truth. Temptation is a reality of our human existence.

Jesus understood temptation. In his journey to the wilderness, a vision quest of sorts, he faced temptations that were specific to his vocation but applicable for us today. They were not overtly evil, but they were not of God. They were what I like to call the “fast food of faith.”

The first temptation – to turn stone into bread – was one of convenience. Provide a hungry world with a full dinner pail and the masses will follow you anywhere. But Jesus rejected it. He realized that he was called to fill a deeper hunger for justice and restoration – to teach people how to fish instead of just giving them fish. As one who has served congregations with large feeding programs, I know for a fact that it's easier to hand out loaves of bread and bags of groceries than work on the systemic issues of hunger and poverty.

The second temptation – to worship Satan in exchange for rule over all the kingdoms of the world – was about “absolute power [that] corrupts absolutely.” Jesus knew that he could not win over the world for God through absolute control, especially if it meant succumbing to evil. At first glance, we say, “Of course, Jesus rejected this offer to make a pact with the devil.” It was so obvious. However, if we think about this temptation in our own lives – if we consider the deals we've cut for power, the trade-offs we've made for advancement, the compromises we've agreed upon for the sake of collegiality – then it's not so simple.

The third temptation – to jump off the highest pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem and be saved – is about magic – coercion and conversion through pyrotechnics. It's what we often see in television evangelism ministry. It's the gimmicks, entertainment, and promised miracles of “big time religion.” As Episcopalians, it's easy for us to poke fun of these antics, but what about our photo ops and grandstand gestures, as well as our pomp and pageantry.  

[Jesus] didn't just say “no.” He understood why he was saying “no.” Jesus resisted the temptation of convenience, absolute power, and magic with his heart, soul, might and mind, digging deep into the roots of his Jewish faith, his spiritual ancestors, and his sacred story.

In the end, all of these temptations involved taking the easy way out, a form of spiritual laziness and complicity. How did Jesus resist all these temptations? He didn't just say “no.” He understood why he was saying “no.” Jesus resisted the temptation of convenience, absolute power, and magic with his heart, soul, might and mind, digging deep into the roots of his Jewish faith, his spiritual ancestors, and his sacred story. With these resources, Jesus was able to stand firm and faithful against the temptations of his wilderness journey, as well as those during the rest of his earthly ministry.

The Episcopal Church is confronted with many of our own temptations: promote church unity at the cost of justice; scapegoat gay men and lesbians to “protect” the institution of marriage; accept military and economic imperialism in the name of democracy; gloss over the anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish inferences and tendencies in the Christian scriptures and liturgical traditions; believe that we have finished our work on the issue of racism and sexism; or simply ignore it all for the sake of church growth and spirituality.  

As people who follow Jesus of Nazareth, we are called to resist the temptation to seek easy answers to complicated questions and look for simple solutions to complex problems. Rather, we are commissioned to dig deep into our roots, call upon our ancestors in faith, remember our sacred story, and claim our truest and highest self.   Then, and only then, can we resist evil with all our heart, soul, might and mind as we seek “to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8). Let this be our Lenten task.

The Very Rev. Tracey Lind is dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio. An experienced urban planner who previously worked in the Bronx, N.Y. and northern New Jersey, she currently chairs a Cleveland citywide task force on downtown redevelopment. Tracey may be reached by email at tlind@dohio.org .