3 Tests of Jesus

Each of the Synoptic gospels contains a narrative in which Jesus is tested in the desert, following his baptism and prior to the commencement of his public ministry (Mark 1:12-13; Matt 4:1-11; and Luke 4:1-13). This discussion focusses on the Lukan narrative in particular, referring to its parallels in Matthew and Q. What is most striking about this pericope, however, is the presence of three texts from Deuteronomy, the final book of the Torah, which Jesus quotes in response to the challenges of his diabolic interlocutor (Deut 8:3; 6:13, 6:16 & 10:20). If this text is indeed a reflection on Jesus’ messianic identity, then the absence of proof texts from the prophetic writings is equally significant. By focusing on these verses in our study of the pericope, it might indeed be possible to uncover other layers of meaning beyond the standard interpretations already noted, particularly those relevant to Jesus’ identity as a Jew from Galilee.

New Testament Studies, 1999

Readings of Mark 1.12–13 which focus on Jesus as the second Adam or Israel's antitype are problematic. Mark 1.13's semantic field links up with passages in the Jewish Bible referring to episodes of Israel's period in the wilderness after the exodus. In Mark 1.13 the testing motif seems not to be applied to the people, but to Jesus, who may be understood as the leader of the people. Similar adaptations of the testing motif focusing upon the people's leader can be observed already in passages of the Hebrew Bible and post-biblical Jewish literature.

MATTHEW'S MESSAGES THROUGH JESUS' INAUGURAL TESTS, 2019

Writing in 68 CE, 85 CE, and 90 CE respectively, the Authors of the Gospels according to Saints Mark, Matthew, and Luke say that immediately following his baptism and acceptance by Heaven, Jesus experienced a period of testing. Matthew is the earliest account that presents details of the tests and their outcomes. This Study examines the cultural and lexical contexts of that account to identify the messages that were intended by the Authors and understood by their immediate community. To achieve this objective, this Study first presents the situations that the authors of Matthew encountered.

All the human beings face challenges, losses, trials, adversities, and hardships in one form or the other – sometimes through losses and sometimes through abundance. If we fail to realize the reasons and wisdom behind such tests, we can commit grave mistakes which not only lead us to a depressed and dejected life in this world but also take away our success in the hereafter. It is, accordingly, very important to firstly, understand the reasons and rationale behind the concept of tests and trials and, secondly, to respond to them in a befitting and appropriate manner. In order to explore these aspects, we have reviewed the concept of tests, trials, and adversities from theological as well psychological perspective. Anchored in verses 155-157 of Surah Al-Baqarah, the scope of this paper is spread over the reasons why we are subjected to tests and trials, the means and modes of such tests, and the response a believer should demonstrate when undergoing any trials and tribulations.

Ashland Theological Journal, 2008

2008

Making sense of Jesus. Experiences, interpretations and identities. , 2017

2014

This article argues that 4 Ezra is structured as a test. Having resisted, over the course of the dialogue with Uriel, the temptation to abandon his people, Ezra enjoys visions of a restored Israel.