Grand Inquisitor Part IV – The Third Test
In discussing the parable of the Grand Inquisitor in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, we come to the third and final temptation of Christ in the wilderness. The previous temptations where discussed in previous blogs. In regards to the third temptation, the Grand Inquisitor tells Jesus, “Had You accepted the third offering of the mighty spirit, You would have fulfilled man’s greatest need on earth. That is, the need to find someone to worship, someone who can relieve him of the burden of his conscience, thus enabling him finally to unite into a harmonious ant-hill where there are no dissenting voices, for the unquenchable thirst for universal unity is the third and last ordeal of man”.
In Jesus’ day, many expected the Messiah to be a political liberator, which led to much disappointment. In addition, how often have we seen through out the history of the church its temptation to become the state? nline pharmacy Dostoevsky’s insight into man’s desire for unity in worship is enlightening. We see the drive in many religions (Christianity, Islam, etc) to force or exhort others to conversion. This has led to many of the religious wars encountered through out history. It is also reflected the book of Revelation with the one world government in the tribulation followed by the one world government of Christ during the 1000 years of Christ. There is a desire within man for one unity of worship. The problem comes when we attempt to achieve it on our own rather than relying on God. This does not mean that Missions is not important. On the contrary. However, one of the great lessons learned from the late missionary age is forcing cultural perspectives on others in spreading the Gospel. In addition, problems arise when our worship is based on one’s viewpoint rather than allowing for diversity within the church. We are a community of believers. To use the words from a well known U2 song, “We are One but we are not the Same.” There is to be individuality within the community. And worship should not be compelled. The temptation for Jesus would have been to disobey God and attempt to achieve his inheritance (Psalms 2:7-9) early. He could have believed that he could claim his inheritance without the hardship of the cross and not wait on God to give it in the proper time.
In the framework provided by Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor, God wants man’s freedom of worship that is not based on circumstances (physical bread), based on miracles and not based on forced community (unity in worship). Jesus by turning stone into bread would have not remained submissive to God but rather take control himself. By jumping off the temple, he would have lost faith in God by trying to force God to demonstrate his faithfulness. By bowing before Satan, Jesus would have turned his back on God by looking to Satan (or his own effort) to achieve his inheritance. In the end, Jesus proved his freedom to trust in God even during hunger (the first test). He proved his freedom to trust in God without having to see demonstration of it (the second test). He proved his freedom to trust in God by not taking a short cut to the end but waiting patiently (the third test).