The Three Temptations of Jesus: Overcoming Concupiscence in Lent
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Every year, on the First Sunday of Lent, the Church presents us with the Gospel of Jesus' temptation in the desert. This is not merely a historical recollection but a profound invitation to enter into the same spiritual battle. The Church, in her wisdom, places this account at the beginning of Lent to remind us that our own journey of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is not just a personal effort but a participation in Christ’s victory over sin. His confrontation with the devil sets the stage for our own struggles, showing us that temptation is inevitable but, with God's grace, not insurmountable.
By meditating on this Gospel each year, we recognise that Lent is not just about external sacrifices but about an interior transformation. The three temptations of Christ—mirroring the three forms of concupiscence (1 John 2:16)—reveal the very areas where we, too, must seek conversion. The Church gives us this passage as a guide, teaching us that overcoming temptation is not about relying on our own strength but about surrendering to God. Just as Jesus emerged from the desert ready to begin His mission, we are called to emerge from Lent spiritually renewed, strengthened for the journey ahead.
1. The Temptation of the Flesh – Turning Stones into Bread
After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry. Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical need. This represents the concupiscence of the flesh—our tendency to seek comfort, pleasure, and satisfaction at any cost.
But Jesus responded: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
During Lent, we fast to discipline our desires. We do not reject the good of food, but we remind ourselves that true fulfillment comes from God alone.
2. The Temptation of the Eyes – The Kingdoms of the World
Satan then showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, offering Him power and glory if He would worship him. This temptation speaks to the concupiscence of the eyes—our craving for material wealth, status, and control.
Jesus answered: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10).
We overcome this temptation by practicing detachment, especially through almsgiving—giving freely rather than grasping for more. Lent calls us to see beyond earthly riches and focus on the eternal kingdom.
3. The Temptation of Pride – Testing God
Finally, Satan challenged Jesus to throw Himself from the temple’s pinnacle, urging Him to force God’s hand in a miraculous rescue. This is the pride of life, the temptation to manipulate God or prove our own greatness.
Jesus rebuked him: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7).
True humility comes through prayer. Lent is a time to surrender our will to God, trusting Him completely instead of seeking to control our own destiny.
Overcoming Temptation: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer
These three temptations correspond to the three Lenten pillars:
✔ Fasting to combat the flesh
✔ Almsgiving to purify our desires
✔ Prayer to humble our hearts before God
Lent is not just about resisting temptation; it is about replacing our disordered desires with something greater—feasting on God’s grace.
📖 Want to go deeper?
In our FREE eBook, Fasting and Feasting with Christ: Overcoming Concupiscence Through Lent, we explore how these temptations impact our spiritual lives and how we can truly overcome them.
📥 Download your free copy today and embark on a Lenten transformation!👉
Comments