The Limerick Temptation of Christ

James Tissot 1895

I've got a good friend, the poet Jonathan Caswell, who writes religious poems almost exclusively, and is madly in love with the limits and license of limericks. We talked about it at some length, and of course I had to try it. As a writing exercise it was not easy, it was fairly challenging. 

For a YA audience it may be a decent introduction.

THE LIMERICK TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

In a desert so dry and so vast,

Jesus fasted, enduring at last.

Then Satan appeared,

With a voice that heartily cheered,

"Turn stones into bread, break your fast."  

"Man lives not just on bread," Jesus replied,

"But by God's word alone, I will abide,"

The devil once again tried,

With a mountain deep and wide,

"Jump, and be saved," he implied.  

"Angels will catch you," said he,

"Prove God's love for thee,"

But Jesus declared,

"Thou shalt not dare

Test the Lord, for He is free."  

Next Satan ascended a height,

"Bow down to me in your might,"

All forms of power will  I give,

If you will simply live,

And forsake your divine right.  

Jesus rebuked him with a firm voice,

"Get thee behind me, thou foul choice!

You try to tempt and to sway,

Yet I will always obey,

For God's will is my only rejoice."  

Then the devil departed in shame,

For Jesus had spoken His name.

Victory was won,

God’s will was done,

And the desert bore silent acclaim.  

This story of strength and of grace,

Reminds us to run our own race,

When temptations call,

Stand firm and tall,

With faith as our shield in place.

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Shared with DVerse Poets Pub for OLN.

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©2025 Christopher Reilley 

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