The Temptation of Christ

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the temptation of Christ is a complete story with an introduction, three trials and an ending. It looks at how, even though temptation is a short passage, it has many layers that can be revealed upon analysis. By comparing and contrasting texts regarding the temptation, we can gain a better understanding of the spiritual and literal meanings behind the text. This paper serves as an analysis of "Matthew 4: 1-11" in light of the other instances of the temptation in other texts. It supports the thesis that the temptation serves as a means to authenticate Jesus for the rest of the stories found in the Gospels.

Outline:
Writers and Structure
Symbolism
The Challenge

From the Paper:

"In the version found in Luke, Satan presents a vision of the Kingdoms of the world. This detail is left out in the Matthew version and the reader assumes that it is the physical length as far as the eye can see. In Luke we find that Satan has offered so much more. We also find in the Luke version that Satan claims to have been given the kingdoms of the earth. However, he never tells from whom he acquired them. We do not know if Satan is lying at this point, or if this is another expression of the supremacy of heaven, the Kingdom of God, over the physical kingdom, the Kingdom of man. One might also note that Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms (plural) rather than the Kingdom (Singular). This implies divided nations full of strife and conflict, rather than a unified nation living in harmony . This is an important detail in understanding the state of the world at the time. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Antonakes, M. 2004. "Nikos Kazantzakis and Christ as Hero" Journal of Modern Greek Studies. 22: 95-105.
• Conrad, C. 2002. "New Observations on Voice in the Ancient Greek Verb." St, Louis, IL: Washington University. On-Line. Available from Internet, http://www.ioa.com/~cwconrad/Docs/NewObsAncGrkVc.pdf, accessed August 15, 2006.
• Dunbar, D. 2003. "Re-visioning Jesus: The Quest to Universalize Christ." Quodlibet 5(2-3). On-Line Available from Internet, http://www.quodlibet.net/dunbar-universal.shtml accessed August 15, 2006.
• Stein, R.1996. Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity,)

More papers on The Temptation of Christ:

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• Essay # 100753 : "The Last Temptation of Christ"
• Book Review # 101817 : "A Review of "The Imitation of Christ"

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