Jesus in the Wilderness

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. Matthew 4:1 & 2 (WEB)

Many of you are familiar with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness after having fasted for forty days. But sometimes it’s easy to miss what is even in black and white. Look at the first verse of Matthew. Jesus was intentionally led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

Has that ever crossed your mind? The Spirit of God led Jesus there.

Jesus was led by the Spirit…

God does not tempt mankind, and He did not tempt Jesus. But the Spirit of God did lead Jesus into the wilderness, and there, he would be tempted by Satan. The reason was to illustrate what Christs’ mission on earth was all about, and to teach believers how to overcome temptation instead of giving in to it. And it was to experience everything that we would ever experience. “…but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (WEB)

But Jesus was more than an example for righteous living.

Jesus did not come to earth as a divine ruler and a champion against Roman or religious oppression. Jesus came to be obedient to His Father as a sacrifice for sinners. He came to be their substitute and to suffer.

That is a hard concept for us to grasp. But every step our Savior took on earth was in the form of a human being. He did not fall back on His authority as God, in order to deal with His hunger, loneliness or temptation.

Although tempted in the same way that we are, Jesus never fell to Satan. He remained sinless even through this trial. Think about it. Aren’t there times when we face hunger, loneliness, and other situations like that when we are most vulnerable to satanic attack?

I think one of the most common weak moments for a believer is when we are caught off guard by false accusations or other injustices.

Sometimes we simply submit to the demands of our own selfish, sinful hearts. We overindulge, lash out at others, express jealousy, greed and any other sinful behaviors.

Jesus in the wilderness isn’t just a Bible story. This is the Father unveiling more of His plan. Everything that Jesus did would fulfill God’s plan for himself and mankind.

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s but is the worlds.

1 John 2:16 (WEB)

Every time Satan slithered at Jesus’ feet, the Savior was armed with God’s Word. There’s no excuse for not having a few verses ready when faced with temptation. You know what sinful thoughts or deeds tend to dog you.

Instead of being ready with an arsenal of worldly responses, be quick to recall a helpful verse, and even more quickly, cry out for help. “Spirit, help me.” Make the response your own. You don’t have to memorize whole passages line by line. For example, “Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.” That comes from Psalm 119:37

Take a look at each of Jesus’ responses to Satan, below.

The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Matthew 4:3

“…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of Yahweh’s mouth.”

Deuteronomy 8:3

Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:5-6 (WEB)

Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4:7 (WEB)

Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me. Matthew 4:8-9 (WEB)

Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’” Matthew 4:10 (WEB)

As we end this study it is very important to understand one thing. When we are tested by God, it may not have anything to do with exposing sin. But if it is for that reason, God will not leave us guessing.

Testing is not temptation from God, and it is not punishment. Testing is only ever meant for our growth as followers of Christ. If you are truly going through a time of testing, then you can be sure of your salvation. The Spirit will never test someone who is not born again. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Don’t you see the goodness of God? He loves you so much that He allowed Jesus to suffer hunger, cold, loneliness and Satan…for you.

Testing, which is from God is very different from temptation- Satan’s device. You will grow to love God more when you have come through.

Read Colossians 2:13-14. Believers have been given life!

Share the Good News in your world.

Isaiah 52:7

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.