Could Jesus Have Been Deceived by the Devil?

The movie The Last Temptation of Christ, like many other Hollywood and literary offerings, paints a picture of Jesus far different from what we find in the Bible. We continue our examination of the false charges made in the movie and in the book upon which it was based: Nikos Kazantzakis’ The Last Temptation of Christ (1960).

In the movie and the novel, Mary expresses concern that her son may be possessed by the devil.

The setting: Jesus is talking to His mother, Mary. Here we learn what Mary thinks about the voices that Jesus hears.

Movie

Mary: You’re sure it’s God? You’re sure it’s not the devil?

Jesus: I’m not sure, I’m not sure of anything.

Mary: If it’s the devil, the devil can be cast out.

Jesus: But what if it’s God? You can’t cast out God can you?

Novel

Kazantzakis writes (p. 29):

When the mother entered and saw her son fallen and palpitating under the cross [he was making crosses] she dug her nails into her cheeks and stared at him without running to lift him up. She had grown weary of having him brought to her unconscious every two minutes in someone’s arms, of seeing him depart to wander through the fields or in deserted places, to remain day and night without food, refuse to work, do nothing but sit for hours with his eyes pinned on the air, a daydreamer and nightwalker whose life was bare of accomplishment. It was only when a cross was ordered for a crucifixion that he threw himself body and soul into his work and labored day and night like a madman. He went no longer to the synagogue; he did not want to set foot in Cana again, or to go to any of the festivals. And when the moon was full his mind reeled, and the unfortunate mother heard him rave and shout in a delirium as though he were quarreling with some devil.

Objection

Christians object to the idea that Jesus did not know whether God or the devil was the one speaking to Him. In the movie and book, Jesus can’t tell the difference! In the novel (p. 15) Jesus says, “Someone came [to me]. Surely it was God, God… or was it the devil? Who can tell them apart? They exchange faces; God sometimes becomes all darkness, the devil all light, and the mind of man is left in a muddle.”

Christians object to portraying Jesus in such a state of confusion that He is uncertain and not sure of anything.

Analysis

Could Jesus have been deceived by the devil?

The testimony of the Bible is clear. Jesus was never deceived by the devil. He knew He was the Messiah (John 4:25-26). He knew His mission in life, which was to die for the sin of the world (Luke 4:43; John 12:27). He knew the difference between God and the devil, even confronting Satan and casting out demons (Matthew 4:10; 8:32). God said of Him, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, NASB). The true Jesus of history said to those who questioned His authority, “My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him [God], I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word” (John 8:54- 55, NIV).

Also, how could Jesus promise in the Scriptures, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV)—if He Himself was severely troubled, confused and not at peace?