Anti-Celebrity

Privilege, power, and popularity are the subtle drugs of celebrity. There’s nothing inherently wrong with having status or being famous. But when being seen as powerful or important becomes essential to your identity—either who you think you are or who you wish to be—the temptation to do whatever it takes to gain that level of prominence can become overpowering. And, if you’re not careful, you just might, as Jesus warns, gain the whole world, but lose your soul (Matt. 16:26).

Following his baptism, Jesus goes into the desert where he’s tempted by the devil to make a name for himself, to seize the privileged position as the only Son of God, by betraying his Father, his mission, and himself. But rather than relishing a life of celebrity, Jesus shows us a better way.