As Jesus began his ministry, his very first temptation took place after he had been told by the Father, “This is my beloved Son.” In the next verse Jesus goes into the wilderness. The Evil One says to him: “IF you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread. . . . IF you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from the temple.” In other words: Don’t listen to the voice. Don’t trust grace. Don’t believe your Father. Prove it. Earn it. Make it happen. Make it about you. Jesus said, “No.” Temptation depended on getting Jesus to question his identity, to feel as if he had to prove his
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