Today’s scripture: Luke 22:39-46 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
Temptation.
The word just rolls off the tongue, summoning up images of so many things I want but do not need! That sixth cup of coffee, that ever-so-attractive superstar, that coat made of calf’s leather, that flashy sports car, that house with two more rooms and an extra half-bath, that coffee cake just dripping with sweet, sweet icing! In the material culture of the United States (and my comfortable existence), these are the pictures that leap to the front of the line when I hear that word. I automatically deem temptation an attractive option I must resist.
But these are not the only temptations we face. The word temptation appears in my Oxford Annotated Bible. But when I turn to my GBLT Study Bible, in translation from the Greek, the phrase “…may not enter into temptation…” transforms into “…don’t have an ordeal…” Apparently, the original Greek term, periasmos, in its context of the times, referred to being harassed or subjected to ordeals. The word, appearing both here and in the Lord’s Prayer, really opens up the meaning of both passages.
Temptation isn’t just about forgoing something pleasurable we might enjoy; temptation is also about trials of life that can make us want to compromise our spiritual integrity to avoid suffering. If we are under attack, the primary impulse is to strike back, or even strike preemptively. Pain and fear can profoundly alter how we respond to those around us, whether they are the cause of our suffering or not.
This is why Jesus called himself and his disciples to prayer in today’s passage: they could not avoid conflict with the authorities and remain true to what God called them to be. To fulfill that calling, they would need to be transformed by the experience of his sacrifice and embrace a painful path of change from the behavioral norms of their society. What ordeals are imposed on us today that require us to transform ourselves?
Thought for the day: Temptation isn’t just a matter of pruning pleasures. It also means fighting hard internal battles with our emotions and prejudices for what is just in God’s eyes. What barriers of pain and fear do I need to transform with God’s love?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.