21 : on confrontations

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’

— Matthew 4:8-9

In the wilderness, Christ is tempted not just by hunger or doubt, but by the promise of ultimate power. The devil offers him dominion over all the kingdoms of the world, presenting a clear test of the ego’s desire for control, influence, and superiority. Yet Christ’s rejection of this temptation is not just a rejection of earthly power — it is a profound reminder of the dangers that come when we allow ego and control to guide our decisions.

From a Jungian perspective, the temptation of power represents the seduction of the inflated ego. The ego desires to dominate, to control, and to be seen as superior, but this temptation distracts us from our true path, leading us away from the individuation process — the journey toward wholeness. The offer of power is seductive because it feeds the ego’s need to feel important, but as Christ shows us, true strength comes from humility and alignment with a higher purpose.

The painting Christ Tempted by the Devil by John Ritto Penniman (1818) captures this moment of confrontation between the divine and the temptations of earthly power. The devil points toward the kingdoms below, offering them as a prize, but Christ stands firm, rejecting the allure of control and domination. This image serves as a reminder that the pursuit of power and control can lead us astray, drawing us away from the Self and toward the false promises of the ego.

In our own lives, we face similar temptations — whether through the desire for success, recognition, or control over others. These temptations, though powerful, often lead us away from our true selves, creating a disconnect between who we are and who we are meant to be. The real challenge is to reject these distractions and return to a path of authenticity, humility, and inner strength.

Journaling Prompt: Reflect on a time when you felt tempted by power or control. How did this temptation impact your decisions, and what would it have meant to resist it? How can you recognize the allure of ego-driven desires in your life and return to a more authentic path?

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