Paradise Regained

The epic poem "Paradise Regained" by John Milton recounts the story of Jesus's temptation in the wilderness after his baptism. It begins with the invocation of the Holy Spirit to inspire the poet to sing of the "Recovered Paradise to all mankind, By one man’s firm obedience fully tried." The narrative unfolds with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Heaven opens, the Spirit descends as a dove, and the Father's voice declares Jesus his beloved Son. This divine affirmation alerts Satan, the Adversary, who, in a council of his peers, resolves to tempt Jesus to subvert his divine mission. Satan, filled with envy and rage, flies to his infernal court to rally his forces, believing that if he can tempt Jesus, he might prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy that the "Woman’s Seed" will ultimately defeat him. God, however, foreknows Satan's plan and instructs Gabriel to reveal to Jesus that he will be exposed to Satan's temptations to prove his worthiness. God intends for Jesus to overcome Satan not through force but through "humiliation and strong sufferance," demonstrating a virtue that will ultimately earn salvation for mankind. Jesus, aware of his divine nature and mission, enters the desert, meditating on his purpose. During his forty days of fasting in the desert, Jesus is approached by Satan, who appears as an old man. Satan, initially feigning ignorance, probes Jesus's identity and purpose. When Jesus responds with divine wisdom, Satan reveals himself and attempts to tempt Jesus. The first temptation centers on food: Satan, seeing Jesus's hunger, urges him to turn stones into bread, citing his divine power. Jesus rebukes him, quoting scripture that man does not live by bread alone. Satan then shifts to the temptation of earthly kingdoms and glory. He transports Jesus to a high mountain and displays the vastness and power of the Roman Empire, offering it to Jesus if he will worship Satan. Jesus firmly rejects this, stating that he will worship only God and that his kingdom is not of this world. He denounces Satan as the Evil One. Satan, frustrated, attempts another tactic, showing Jesus the glories of Athens, the center of philosophy and arts. He suggests that Jesus should pursue wisdom and knowledge from the great thinkers of the past, arguing that this is a more fitting path for a wise ruler. Jesus, however, dismisses these worldly philosophies as flawed and insufficient, asserting that true wisdom comes from God. He points out that the great philosophers were ignorant of God and the true nature of humanity's fall, and that their own teachings are often contradictory or self-serving. Finally, Satan makes his last desperate attempt. He takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem and urges him to cast himself down, tempting him to test God's promise that his angels will protect him. Jesus again rebukes Satan, quoting scripture that one should not tempt the Lord. This final rejection leads to Satan's utter defeat. He falls from the Temple, and angels descend to carry Jesus. The poem concludes with Jesus returning home, having triumphed over Satan's temptations, thereby regaining paradise for mankind through his obedience.