"Jesus, full of the Holy Sprit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry." (Luke 4:1-2 NIV)
For some reason, I got to thinking about Jesus in the desert for those forty days. Maybe it’s because I’m just now in Judges and the history of the Israelites and their wilderness wanderings has been recapped many times since the Exodus. Maybe because the drought we are still experiencing in South Texas is baring my own temptation a bit. (An Iowa summer evening sounds like heaven right about now!) Whatever the reason, I’ve ben thinking about my blessed Savior surviving the brutal territory below Judea. He surely contended with wild animals, harsh conditions, nefarious travelers and of course, the enemy of our souls. And He endured it all while hungry.
Have you ever wondered what Jesus did in His wilderness season? It’s safe to say He didn’t just sit around thinking about how famished He was. It seems far more likely to me that He embarked on a spiritual journey with intention. Maybe He even retraced the steps of His ancestors.
Board this train with me a moment: scholars say that the trek from Egypt to Canaan could have easily been accomplished in two weeks. Instead they endured forty years in the desert. Their lack of faith and character demanded an extension of their trip, not the actual geography.
It seems very reasonable that in His own wilderness season, our Savior could have returned to the Red Sea and walked the very path of His people. Only He wouldn’t complain or make snap judgements against God. He wouldn’t romanticize about Egypt and misremember the past. He would believe His Father’s promises about the Land to come and He would trust God’s presence to be His ongoing provision. We know for sure our Savior didn’t partake of bread in His forty day exile: He was sustained by the manna of God’s nearness. Being close to His Father fed His soul in the most barren places.
We do not know the route Jesus took, but we do know that as He neared His last destination, the enemy met Him in might. Jesus had to be weakened physically at this point: forty days without substance would have left His frame ragged and susceptible. The enemy attacks when circumstances are stacked in his favor. He preys upon weakness, waiting until we are least prepared to defend ourselves. He exploits our vulnerabilities. Jesus remarkably held His ground. He refused the delicious offerings of the enemy: self-provision, self-protection and self-promotion. Jesus continued to rely on His Father to carry Him through the strongest waves crashing against His own will-power.
Our Jesus endured and triumphed over every temptation. Seems to me I read that in a book somewhere.
Whether Jesus retraced His forefather’s steps or not, He did overcome what we could not in order to afford us the power to live differently. His righteousness made way for our salvation and Spirit-infilling, which always helps us in our weakness.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:18 NIV)
Lord, today we recognize Your battle against temptation on our behalf. Thank You for overcoming. We can’t help but believe You had us in mind when You came to this earth and lived a sinless life. We are mindful of Your sacrifice and in awe of Your perseverance. Thank You for overcoming what we couldn’t claw our way through. Thank You for imparting Your Spirit: entrusting us with the means and power to transform our lives more into Your likeness. We are forever grateful. Amen.