The Third Temptation: The Seduction of Power

The third temptation of Jesus is the temptation to be powerful—to take control, to rule, to dominate (Matthew 4:8–10). In the wilderness, the devil shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” and offers them to him. Jesus could have chosen influence, visibility, and unquestioned authority. Instead, he chooses worship, obedience, and the vulnerable path of love. Henri Nouwen sees this as a central temptation not only for bishops, priests, and religious, but for every one of us who longs, in large or small ways, to be “in charge” of life.

Psychologist Dacher Keltner’s “power paradox” sheds striking light on this seduction of power. He notes that people usually gain power through empathy, kindness, and generosity. Yet once they feel powerful, something begins to shift inside: they pay less attention, listen less carefully, and become more self‑focused. The very power that was granted because of care for others starts to erode that care. Power dulls our sensitivity. We stop truly seeing the people in front of us.

This is the spiritual terrain Nouwen invites us to examine. The danger is not only in having power, but in allowing power to slowly replace compassion, presence, and dependence on God. A priest who begins with a heart for the poor can gradually become more concerned with schedules, structures, and status. A religious sister can move from deep listening to quiet impatience. A lay person, once kind and available, can become consumed with productivity, income, and influence. It does not happen overnight; it happens through many small choices where we prefer control over relationship.

Jesus models another way. Faced with the offer of “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor,” he refuses to build a life on control and prestige (Matthew 4:8–10). He anchors himself in worship: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” When God, not power, is at the center, leadership becomes service again, and ordinary life becomes a place of quiet, hidden influence through kindness.

 

Notes

Nouwen, H. (1989). In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. Crossroad Keltner, D. (2016). The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. New York, NY: Penguin Press.Publishing.

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The Third Temptation: The Seduction of Power.

Explore this theme in three different formats—each offering a unique way to reflect and engage:

📄 Article: https://lifespring-wholeness.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-third-temptation-seduction-of-power.html

🎧 Audio: https://youtu.be/Gg25tM4PLwI

🎥 Video: https://youtu.be/EnN3oeEumE4

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