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Essay / Internal Conflict in Christ's Last Temptation
Gathering his disciples, he seeks to share his understanding of God with those around him. Although he is still unsure of who he is or what God is leading him toward, he listens to John the Baptist's advice and heads out into the desert, drawing a circle around himself and waiting for an answer to the difficulties facing him. he is confronted. . Rather than receiving a clear answer from God, Jesus receives a visit from the Great Tempter. The strength of his will allows him to overcome these first temptations, which then gives him the confidence to return to his disciples, with messianic aspirations. His understanding of himself as Messiah leads to continued conflict, this time with other Jews. At first he feels that he must physically lead people to defy the corrupting powers, but then he realizes that it will take his death to make them understand the situation. He strives to be arrested and is ultimately crucified. On the cross, Jesus faces his final temptation. He wants to both please God and be a contented human. It becomes clear that his final temptation seeks to derail his sacrifice, rendering it meaningless. He decides to sacrifice himself entirely for the good of