Ten Temptations From Gethsemane

Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus said, "Watch and Pray that ye enter not into temptation" (Luke 22:40, KJV). Other versions state, "Pray that you not are not tested, overwhelmed or tempted," won't "fall into temptation" or "give in to temptation."
When I read this, I began to wonder exactly what temptations or tests the disciples should be praying about. If they needed to pray about issues in their lives, living Christ's presence, we certainly do, centuries later.

A close reading of the Gospels helped me to identify 10 issues over which the disciples repeatedly stumbled. Even though Jesus addressed the disciples, there seems to be something in His admonition for Christians in 2006.

1. Who shall be the greatest?
When I think of disciples, I conjure up the image of unshaven, sweaty, loud, overgrown boy types. The bull in the china shop type of men, who can't seem to get anything right. The Bible certainly doesn't portray them as men of refinement or intellect. So it is not surprising to read that during the last meal they were to share with Jesus, they were arguing about who would be in the position of leadership in the New Kingdom. Or, perhaps, they were setting up some type of disciple pecking order. In any event, the Gospels record this type of exchange between the disciples several times.

Mark 9 is the story of Jesus freeing a young man from an evil spirit. The disciples were there, watching. As they left, Jesus told them that He would be killed and that He would rise on the third day. Even in the face of these thought provoking events, the disciples began to argue about who would be the greatest as they walked on their way.
When they arrived at Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were arguing about. They were silent in embarrassment. Jesus pointed out that achieving stature in the new kingdom meant serving the most. Then, as if to quash the images the disciples were forming about community service campaigns for the purpose of becoming the greatest, Jesus picked up a small child and held her in His arms. "When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome Me." (Mark 9:37, Contemporary English Version).
At that moment, power and political esteem ceased to be the standard by which people judged their importance. In fact, importance had nothing to do with being seen and known by God. Warm inclusion of the unimportant people in the world was the new standard. There was no use for any high flown self conceptualizations. A child judges whether they are received and accepted by the look in one's eyes, the tone of voice, and an attitude of warmth. And it is precisely those things that are more valuable to God than any position of leadership or social standing.

I believe with all my heart that God has given gifts to all people on the earth, and that those gifts vary in type and amount. They are for us to enjoy and bless the earth with. I have been inspired and comforted by the leadership others have demonstrated. Some people are visionaries, dreaming up all sorts of maverick ideas. Some have built empires on personal power and their ability to communicate with others. Others have accomplished amazing feats of faith by creating organizations out of nothing. But the people I have felt the closest to, and who I try to surround myself with, are those with whom my heart feels at rest--people with the kind faces and gentle dispositions.

Jesus was a leader who built an organization out of nothing. Reading over the Gospel record of His foresight and wisdom, how He negotiated the Pharisees and Saducees, leaves me amazed. The miracles, strength in resisting the devil, and responding to trick questions, are all things I admire and would like to be able to do. But when people talk about Jesus, it is usually His warmth and kindness, grace and mercy, and love for imperfect people that are the most attractive about Him.


The elucidation of this first temptation is not for the benefit of readers. It is for me. I like being admired for being smart, articulate, or for having wonderful ideas and drive. However, these are not qualities that necessarily make a person feel closer to me or more valuable in the whole scheme of things. The comment made by a nine-year-old boy more closely hits the target: "You treat me like I'm real, Barbara."

May I learn and aspire to God's standard of greatness.