The first temptation (Matt 4:1-3) Satan said to Jesus who had been fasting without food for 40 days, “… tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus responded to Satan’s suggestion in a way different than what would be expected. He didn’t tell Satan to leave him alone instead He in essence told his own body’s hunger to leave Him alone.

Satan was pointing at the desires of the flesh to tempt Jesus and each time Jesus rebutted by turning away from his own flesh and its desires and needs.

Graham Kerr has been reported to say that the biggest problem with the West is it’s compulsion to ‘Upgrade’ everything (very paraphrased). Almost all of us are driven to upgrade our cars, computers, homes, boats, and the list goes on. For others of us it is more subtle, where introspection and a driveness to care for ourselves takes all of our energy and focus.

The point is this, that, like Jesus, we should be fully submitted to God and not to our various wants, desires or rights. God calls everyone to forcefully lay aside their rights, desires and passions to follow Him.

It’s easy to see this call, to lay aside everything, as a burdensome weight of condemnation, but it’s not at all. Rather, it is an invitation to fulfillment and joy so nourishing that we overflow. It is losing our lives and then finding them in God.

Practically speaking it’s like this: When a thought / desire (every desire, for every single thing) comes to your mind, capture that thought / desire and submit it along with your life in full to Jesus. Then, learn to listen with your heart to God’s voice. And finally … Follow.

The difference between a Hindu’s idea of Nirvana and Jesus’ version is that Nirvana is for one’s own self, it’s a selfish endeavor of self-gratification. In contrast, Jesus’ denial of flesh was utterly selfless and outwardly focused.

Humankind is drawn to acknowledge the greatness of selflessness. We may idolize and covet those with power and wealth, but we all hold far greater respect for those who have put aside their rights / their flesh, in order to serve others. Mother Teresa is a fine modern day example of this.

On analyzing the flesh one finds more bad than good. Most atrocities against mankind derive out of the selfish gratification of flesh. In addition, our flesh is prone to disease and illness and eventually dies. Our bodies are never satisfied but continually hunger and thirst for sustenance to survive. We all yearn for things that cannot satisfy us. Those who have achieved fame or wealth are often more depressed and unhappy than those who don’t have, but aspire for, that way of life. Jesus’ comment affirms this: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

It’s not just a denial of flesh but it’s being led by the Spirit of God. It’s fascinating to note Jesus’ words in John 5:19 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” Jesus, who was altogether wise and intelligent did not live or make decisions out of His own capacity but instead relied fully on the Holy Spirit.

True Nirvana is not as unattainable as Hinduism might imagine. In fact it’s sitting right there available to us all. We long to be free from being controlled by the passions and pains of flesh; we long to be like what history admires – the heroes who lay down their life for others; fighting death, we long to live in eternity here and now. The answer is two-fold: 1. Deny and lay aside the rights and passions of your flesh. 2. Follow Jesus and live in union with the Spirit of God, listening to His voice, obeying Him and living in His presence.

This is an invitation for us all.