First Sunday of Lent 2019
1st Sunday of Lent, “Follow the Lead of Jesus.”
How does one become a leader? How does someone convince others to follow them?
In recent days we have seen many candidates decide that they want to run for president. All these individuals feel that they have the right stuff, but most of them are unknown. The question for them becomes how to make an impression in a crowded political field? Politicians have used similar approaches to get noticed through the years.
The first tactic is to promise people something. The message must be, you will be better off if you follow me. First of all, you will be richer. We will either cut taxes, so you have more for yourself. Or, we will take what someone else has and give it to you. You will have a better job. You will have a nicer home. Promises must be made that point to prosperity if a candidate wants to be elected president.
The second way to get elected to office is to compliment people. A politician must tell his constituents how wonderful they are. Hitler did that in Germany as he grasped for power before WWII. He talked about the Arian race. He told the Germans that they were destined to lead the world. His propaganda fed the people a message that made them feel like they were better than everyone else. He blamed certain groups for the problems of society. He criticized Jews, gypsies, the mentally and physically handicapped and homosexuals. He fed bigotry and mistrust to gaining absolute authority in Germany.
The third tactic that can cement a leader in place is to project an aura of power. You want to make it appear, for example, like your political rallies are better attended than everyone else’s. You want to drive a big car, fly a big plane, walk around with body guards. You cannot look weak. You must never seem uncertain. It appears that if we look at history this is the way to become a leader in the world. And if we are in charge, supposedly that leads to all the happiness you could want.
A few weeks ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The baptism of Jesus was a turning point for him. He knew from that point forward he would lead a public life. He had a mission. He had to decided how would accomplish it.
He went into the desert. Why did he go there? He went there to discern what he was going to do. We could say Jesus went into the desert to confer with the Father. He went to the wasteland to consider what kind of religious leader he was going to be.
And the devil met him in the desert to tempt him. Jesus had to wrestle with the evil one the way we must in our life. What happened? The devil said, “Be the type of leader that can turn stones into bread.” If you promise people all kinds of material things, they will follow you. It makes no difference if you can deliver on your promises or not. If you need to lie just do it. The most important thing is to have power.
The devil said, “Tell people how wonderful they are.” Tell the people that they are superior to other races. Tell them that they are smarter, stronger, braver, than then anyone else. Blame other groups for the world’s problems. Stoke hatred. Proclaim bigotry. If you need to mislead people do it.
Finally, the devil tells Jesus to use his power to show how special he is. You must impress people Satan says. “Throw yourself down from the temple parapet. Have the angels catch you.” Recruit an army take up the sword. Live in a palace. Have others bow down to you. If you do this people will love you. All of what Satan suggested was one big lie.
What does Jesus do? He does the opposite of what Satan is tempts him to do. Jesus did not buy people with bread. Jesus fed the hungry but did it without expecting anything in return. He told the people that he was poor, and they would be if they followed him. Jesus didn’t tell people he wanted them to follow him because they were better than everyone else. He told people he wanted them to follow him because he loved them. He loved them despite their weaknesses. He told those who listened to him that if they were going to be his disciples, they would be the servants of all. Jesus did show his power, but he also died powerless on the cross. He wanted to proclaim that the powerless are important in the eyes of God.
The challenge we face this Lent is to decide who we want to follow. Do we want to build our lives around a lot of lies? Or do we want of find peace by imitating Jesus? One choice seems like an easy road, but it leads to sadness. The other choice seems like a recipe for sadness, but in the end, it leads to joy. The question always is, “Who do I believe?” Hopefully we choose Jesus to be our way, our truth, our light.