One of the greatest works in the history of German literature is the play Faust, written by Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Goethe worked on this play on and off for 56 years. He started writing it as a young man of 27 years old, and did not finish it until just before he died in 1832 at the age of 83. It is a long and complex work, getting into deep discussions of science, religion, psychology, philosophy, history, and more. It is not easy reading. But the play’s setting for all those deep discussions is a simple and thought-provoking old German legend about a man who was tempted.
The story begins with a conversation in heaven between God and the devil, much like in the story of Job. The devil makes a wager with God, betting that he can steal away from God the soul of a good man, a brilliant scientist named Dr. Faust. Determined to win the bet, the devil goes to work on Dr. Faust. The devil knows what Faust loves, what he wants in life, and what his frustrations are. After a lengthy discussion of all this, the devil makes his move. The devil offers to serve Faust, giving him everything he wants for his entire life, on the condition that when Faust’s life is over the devil may have his soul in hell for all eternity. Dr. Faust, desperate to have everything he wants, and to achieve all his goals, agrees to the offer. After all, he was just a young man, and old age and death were a long ways off.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
In the second temptation, you need to imagine the human side of Jesus. Jesus is just beginning his ministry and might be wondering about this call by heavenly Father into this work. The devil told Jesus to jump off the temple and let the angels take care of him. It is as if the devil were saying, “Maybe you ought give this religion business a little test. Go ahead and jump, and make sure that God will be taking care of you.” Again Jesus refused, saying “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” As with Faust, there is a test going on here. But the human Jesus knows that he is the one being tested, and it is not for him to decide to switch roles and start testing God the Father.
Then came the biggest temptation of all. Jesus was here to save the world, and the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, if only Jesus would fall down and worship him; or, sell his soul, just like what was offered to Dr. Faust. Again Jesus refused, saying that the Lord God alone should be worshiped and served. The devil then left Jesus.
Goethe made this clear in his play when Dr. Faust was nearing the end of his life. Life has indeed been full and good. The devil has fulfilled his promise and given Faust everything. But now, life will soon be over and Faust had long ago signed away his eternal hope, and he is in deep despair. The deal he made as a young man was a bad one.
Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word, and, when we fall, raise us again, and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.