Tempted and Tested

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. Matthew 4:1-2



The story of Jesus' temptation is often connected to the season of Lent. Just as Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights, so we journey for 40 days in this season. For Jesus, his time in the wilderness was a time of great testing, after which he begins his public ministry. The text tells us he was led by the Spirit into this time of testing, which implies God not only knew about it, but was the driving force behind it. In mysterious and often confounding ways, life's biggest challenges and difficulties provide us with the opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and emerge stronger and more mature in our faith. It doesn't mean that God is causing our suffering or difficulty, but it does suggest that even the most difficult and trying circumstances can be redeemed by God.

Jesus had a high and holy calling in his earthly life. He was called to preach and teach God's word, heal the sick and suffering, bring hope to the oppressed, and give his life for all. And while Jesus is God incarnate, he was also fully human. The humanity of Jesus was susceptible to temptation and his time in the wilderness provided spiritual training to ward off the temptation to avoid pain and his calling to give himself completely to God's mission. Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting and becoming completely famished. It is then that Satan pounced. At his weakest and most vulnerable, the devil tempts Jesus to turn a stone into bread (Matthew 4:3), to show he had divine powers by throwing himself off the pinnacle of the temple (4:5-6), and to assume all earthly powers if he would worship Satan (4:8-9). Jesus was tested by these temptations, but at each turn he resisted Satan by reciting words of scripture which contradicted the devil's lies. This time of testing forced Jesus to fully rely upon God's Word to follow God's path. The time of testing allowed Jesus to emerge with stronger trust in God and a deeper capacity to withstand testing.

The concept of growing through testing is fundamental in life. It is true for our body, mind, and spirit. Just as an athlete trains their body for competition by building endurance and strength through strenuous work, we build our spiritual strength through relying upon God in difficult times. We build our spiritual strength through developing a rich prayer life and immersing our self in God's word. Reading the Word allows us to differentiate God's trust from Satan's lies. Reading the Word allows us to develop a storehouse of spiritual insight that can be utilized when difficulties arise. Testing will come, that is the nature of human life, but we can be spiritually prepared and strong. This spiritual preparation means that any challenge or difficulty can be the opportunity to grow in faith and trust of God.

Prayer: Lord, let these 40 days of Lent be filled with your Holy presence. Let your word fill my heart and speak to me directly. Help me to be prepared for all the challenges I face and fully rely upon you. In Jesus' name, AMEN.