While writing about the temptation of Jesus on my blog http://www.theolognow.net I came across references regarding this that seem to deny the actual temptation, such as being taken up to the highest point of the temple or being shown all of the kingdoms of the world etc.

Any thoughts on this, I come from a perspective that I believe the literal word of God but I am interested in hearing what others have to say about being these temptations.


It seems a tad slow in here, so I want to spark some conversation

i'm not sure i understand your question... are you just asking if jesus was actually tempted? yes... absolutely... and in the ways listed...

but if thats not your question...

anyhoo thats my understanding... seems they are representative of things... and also real examples.

No, my point is on the perspective of the temptation.

I've been reading how people have condemned the literal translation of the temptation. Like when satan brought him to the top of the temple or the mountain.

I was wondering what everyone thought of these specific temptations and how they came about, or are they more spiritual/allegorical as some explain it.

I definitely think he was literally tempted. (people who argue that he couldn't have been tempted dont understand the gap between temptation and sin)... I also think he was literally brought to the top of the temple, or mountain or whatever. Literally tempted with turning bread to stone.

they were all symbolic of greater things but the overarching theme was just whether or not Jesus would give up his role and his call in order to have infinite power and use it however he'd like.

all of it points us to something simple, God - in Jesus - knew that the things of this world could not compare with things of eternity... so he didn't give in to the temptation.