99. Christ's Temptations and the Order of Temptation

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Lecture Notes

Main Topics #

• The Timing of Christ’s Temptations: Why temptations occurred after the 40-day fast rather than during it
• The Order of Temptations: The logical progression from bodily appetite to spiritual pride to avarice
• Historical and Theological Coherence: Addressing apparent contradictions between Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts
• The Progressive Nature of Temptation: How the devil tempts through graduated steps, beginning with lesser sins

Key Arguments #

Why Christ Was Tempted After Fasting #

First Reason—Exemplary: Christ demonstrates to us that fasting is an effective weapon against temptation. We should prepare ourselves through fasting before facing temptation, as fasting is numbered among the “arms of justice” (following the Apostle).

Second Reason—To Show Fasting’s Effectiveness: Even those who practice fasting attract the devil’s attention; the enemy does not avoid those engaged in good works but specifically targets them. This demonstrates fasting’s value as a shield against the devil.

Third Reason—Hunger as Opportunity: Fasting naturally produces hunger, which gave the devil the occasion and audacity to approach Christ. The devil seized upon this natural weakness as an opening.

Fourth Reason—Maintaining Credibility: Christ did not exceed the fasting of Moses and Elijah (40 days). To fast longer would have appeared inhuman or superhuman, undermining the devil’s attempt to tempt him. By matching their fasting, Christ’s apparent weakness made the temptation seem more credible.

The Order of Temptations #

Thomas establishes that the devil observes a graduated sequence:

1. First Temptation (Gluttony): The devil appeals to basic bodily appetite—sustaining the body through food. This is the lowest and most universal temptation.

2. Second Temptation (Vainglory): The devil proceeds to what affects spiritual men—the desire to display one’s virtue and receive honor (casting himself from the temple).

3. Third Temptation (Avarice/Cupidity): The most grave temptation, combining both cupidity (desire for material power) and idolatry (worship of the devil to gain all kingdoms).

This ordering mirrors the temptation of Adam and Eve: first solicitation to eat the fruit (appetite), then promise of open eyes (vainglory), finally the promise of becoming like gods (supreme pride and dominion).

Addressing Objections #

Objection 1: If Christ had miraculous power, why was converting stones to bread a temptation? He performed miracles for others (multiplying loaves), so doing so for himself would not constitute sin.

• Response: The temptation lies in the disordered motivation—using divine power for selfish gratification rather than for the benefit of others or the glory of God.

Objection 2: The second temptation seems self-defeating. The devil tempted Christ to pride by suggesting he throw himself down, which contradicts pride (which seeks ascension).

• Response: The temptation operates through a false promise of protection; the pride consists in presuming God’s favor through a dramatic display.

Objection 3: Only three capital vices are addressed, not all seven. Why are wrath, envy, sloth, and lust omitted?

• Response: The three temptations address the fundamental categories of temptation; other vices flow from these or are not applicable to Christ’s condition.

Objection 4: Matthew and Luke present the temptations in different orders.

• Response: Both accounts present the same three temptations; the different ordering reflects different theological emphases rather than contradictory narratives. Matthew emphasizes the mountain temptation last (avarice); Luke reorders them. Both are describing real events understood through different perspectives.

Objection 5: How could Christ be unseen on the temple pinnacle? How could any mountain show all the kingdoms of the world?

• Response: These may be understood as real locations and visions, or they may involve divine providence allowing certain things to occur unseen, or involve spiritual vision rather than merely physical seeing.

Important Definitions #

Ordo Tentationis (Order of Temptation): The graduated sequence by which the devil approaches temptation—beginning with weaker, more universal sins and progressing to more grave ones. This reflects the devil’s strategy of leading souls step-by-step from lesser to greater transgressions.

Suggestio (Suggestion): The devil’s mode of temptation, which operates through suggestion rather than coercion. The devil suggests things appropriate to the person’s current state and inclinations.

Occasio (Occasion): The circumstance or opening that permits temptation. Hunger following fasting provided the devil with an occasion to tempt Christ.

Examples & Illustrations #

The Temptation of Adam and Eve: Thomas presents this as the paradigm case of graduated temptation—first to appetite (eating), then to vainglory (eyes opened), finally to supreme pride (becoming as gods). Christ’s temptations follow this same progression.

Fasting of Moses and Elijah: Christ’s 40-day fast matches that of Moses and Elijah, maintaining credibility before the devil. Had Christ fasted longer, it would have appeared superhuman, and the devil would have lacked plausible grounds for temptation.

The Desert Setting: Mark mentions Christ was with the beasts. This illustrates the unfitness of the desert for human habitation, emphasizing Christ’s isolation and the severity of the trial.

The Multiplying of Loaves: Contrasted with the first temptation to show that using miraculous power for the benefit of others (feeding the hungry multitude) is virtuous, whereas using it for oneself is temptation.

Notable Quotes #

“The devil does not immediately tempt the spiritual man about the most grave sins, but bit by bit, from the lighter ones, he begins, that afterwards he might lead them to the more grave ones.” (Gregory, Morales)

• Establishes the principle of graduated temptation that structures the entire analysis.

“You might learn how great a good is fasting, and in what way it is a shield against the devil.” (Chrysostom)

• Explains Christ’s purpose in fasting before temptation—to demonstrate fasting’s efficacy.

“The devil receded from Christ for a time, because afterwards he did not tempt but came to openly fight against him.” (Ambrose)

• Distinguishes between the desert temptations and the later, more overt attacks during the Passion.

Questions Addressed #

Question 1: Should the temptation have occurred during the 40-day fast rather than after it?

• Resolution: The temptation occurred after fasting was complete, when hunger resulted naturally. This demonstrates fasting’s value while maintaining Christ’s true humanity and the devil’s plausible opportunity.

Question 2: If Christ had only fasted once, was he tempted only once?

• Resolution: The three named temptations occurred after the 40-day fast was complete. Mark’s mention of temptation during the desert sojourn may refer to other temptations not recorded in detail, as the devil employs various bodily likenesses.

Question 3: Why does the order differ between Matthew and Luke?

• Resolution: Both accounts preserve the same three temptations; the different order reflects theological emphases rather than contradiction. Matthew places the mountain temptation last; Luke places it second. The substance is identical.

Question 4: Is the mode of temptation suitable—appealing to pride through an act of apparent folly?

• Resolution: The temptation operates through false presumption: the devil suggests that God will protect Christ if he demonstrates his trust through a dramatic leap. The pride lies in presuming divine intervention for a display of faith.

Theological Principles Underlying the Analysis #

• Divine Order in Temptation: Even the devil’s temptations follow an ordered progression from lower appetites to higher spiritual vices, reflecting a rational structure to spiritual combat.
• Christ’s True Humanity: The temptations are real and arise from genuine hunger and fatigue, not mere appearances; yet Christ remains without sin throughout.
• The Exemplary Function of Christ’s Life: Christ’s fasting and temptation serve as instruction for all Christian disciples, who must likewise prepare through ascetical practices and expect temptation in proportion to their spiritual advancement.
• Progressive Spiritual Warfare: Temptation operates through degrees; initial victories over bodily appetites prepare one for more subtle spiritual temptations like pride and avarice.