NOTES for Luk 3:23-38
To understand the story of the temptation of Jesus Christ, we need to remember the story of Adam, to whom the evangelist points in the last words of the previous chapter. In the biblical account of Adam's temptation (Gen 3), he was offered the chance to become "like God" by breaking unity with God and eating the forbidden fruit. As He begins His ministry, Jesus, as the "new Man," must pass through the same trial: Jesus is offered the chance to become King by using "traditional means" - bread, spectacle, power, and wealth. He chooses another path, the one that will lead Him to Golgotha.
By placing two examples before the reader - Adam and Christ - Scripture also awaits the reader's choice, since every person has a great goal, and everyone has the freedom to use devilish means to reach it.