“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” Luke 4.1-2
Here is the edited version with spelling and grammar corrections:
What Jesus did for us was quite amazing.
Many of the world’s “gods” would never sacrifice like Jesus did for humanity. They would demand and expect obedience and look down upon their subjects. But Jesus was different. He intended to understand humanity. He desired empathy, and so he endured what we would in everyday life. By allowing himself to be “led” (some translations say “driven”) into the wilderness, he became like us. Jesus was taken into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for forty days and nights.
Imagine being tempted by Satan for forty days, not once giving in. Not once submitting. Not once feeling guilty or the shame of sin. Imagine Jesus’ emotional and spiritual health. He was untainted by sin by choice. Could he have sinned? Apparently, he could have if he wanted to. He rejected sin, knowing the better way God had planned for him.
And not only was he alone, being tempted by the devil, he was fasting. He was not fully alone—the Holy Spirit and the devil followed. The Spirit gave him strength; the devil sought to take away courage. The Spirit filled him up; the devil sought depletion and destruction.
I can’t help but think about Charlie Kirk and his recent political assassination and martyrdom. He was speaking the truth about Jesus at the moment the devil influenced the shooter to kill him. Jesus said, “The thief (i.e., devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The darkness and the devil kill, steal, and destroy. We see this in our world today in this example. Those who tear down are not of God. But the hope is that Jesus brings us life to the full. Charlie’s life did not end in death; it only began. We are saddened for a life lost but hopeful of the eternal life waiting just around the corner in heaven.
In the same way, Jesus, who endured the wilderness, who endured the cross, overcame temptation and sin so that we might live. We have hope even in the desert places. We have hope when we feel so alone. We have hope because God’s Spirit is right there waiting for us to turn our dependence upon Him.
We are not alone. God is with us. Even in the darkest times of despair, the Lord is near because He is here. And God’s light and love through His son Jesus Christ, and by the blood of the Lamb, has the final victory.
“O Lord God, our world is in need of redemption. The work we do for you is wonderful and beautiful. I thank you that you have made us and created us to be in relationship with you. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your love. Help us know the power of grace and even forgiveness in light of our struggle. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen