Scripture Study for

The reading from Genesis is the first account of sin. The sin itself was disobedience, but the inclination that gave rise to it was a form of hubris—the desire to be like gods. The cunning serpent should not be confused with the devil who  appears much later in the biblical tradition. This mysterious creature has been  used by the writer to point out how vulnerable to temptation humans are. The  tree of knowledge plays no role except that it was very enticing, yet forbidden.  The subtlety of temptation is obvious. It is admirable to want to be like God, but  it is hubris to take things into one’s own hands and make decisions contrary to  God’s will. 

Paul speaks of the incomparable nature of God’s salvific grace. He compares  the universal effects of sin and death with the all-encompassing power of forgiveness and life. He then contrasts Adam, “the type of the one who was to come,”  to Christ, his unrivaled counterpart (Romans 5:14). Sin entered the world through  Adam. The evidence of this is the universal reign of death. All die, therefore all  must have sinned. As universal death entered the world through the sin of one— Adam—so grace was won for all through the gift of one—Christ. However, grace is  much more powerful than sin.  

The place of Jesus’ testing is the desert, traditionally believed to be the abode  of evil spirits. Reminiscent of Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, Jesus fasted  for forty days and forty nights. The devil challenges Jesus’ identity as Son of God,  urging him to turn stones into bread. The devil then proposes that Jesus test  God’s promise of protection by throwing himself from the pinnacle of the temple.  Finally, the devil offers Jesus dominion over the world. Jesus’ responses outline a  very different approach. He will allow the word of God to direct his actions, he will  rely on God’s providence, and he will remain faithful to God. Jesus is steadfast in  the face of temptation.