Following the baptism of Jesus which was the revelation of the Messiah, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.
1. This text shares with us the metaphysical dimensions of the temptations. The subjects of the verbs in this text are the 'Spirit' and 'satan'. As the developments that happened in baptism were above the mundane things, temptations also had such dimensions. The same Spirit that gave Jesus the sense of mission led him to the wilderness. The sense of mission was given further clarification through the temptations. The methodology of the mission was clearly defined. The satanic opposition and distraction will be a continuous experience in the ministry of Jesus. He could be overpowered in the same style. Rebuking the evil spirits and exorcising the devil was one of the important programmes of Jesus' ministry. These things are to happen in the power of the Spirit. They are not the manifestations of physical power according to human criteria. If such a tendency occurs, even the chief among the disciples, Peter, could become satanic in expressions. (Mark. 8:33).
2. The purpose of the temptations was to strengthen Jesus in the given mission. Wilderness was always the spiritual training centre for the people of God. Lessons about divine provisions and security were provided there. Forty has been taken as a significant number in the history of Israel. Moses spent forty days on the mountain. (Exo. 24:18) Elijah ran to Horeb continuously forty days with the nourishment he received from the heavenly food (1 Kings 19:8). Forty days could be taken as a usage to denote a comparatively long period. Satan was seen as the accuser against the children of God (Job. 1:7; Zech 3:2). Jesus triumphed over the satanic scrutiny and the possible chances of rejecting the kingdom ways. Satan fell down from heaven because of the ministry of Jesus (Luke. 10:1-19). The real challenge of faith existence is to triumph over satanic temptations, relying only on the Word of God.
3. This text also provides us with the association of spirit-angels; satan-wild animals. Protection from wild animals is a promise given to the children of God. (Psalm 91:11-13) Wilderness was the free zone of wild animals. (Deuter. 8:15; Num.21:6-8). When Jesus was guided to the wilderness, he was not all alone there. The celestial orders came to his assistance. It is always encouraging to know that when life's journey seems difficult because of Satan and wild animals, the presence of heavenly angels will be there to protect us.
Point to ponder
Do we realise that the Christian life need not be insulated from dangers and temptations, but will be assured of the enabling presence of God?
Prayer
Pray for someone undergoing difficulties in their day to day experiences.
1. This text shares with us the metaphysical dimensions of the temptations. The subjects of the verbs in this text are the 'Spirit' and 'satan'. As the developments that happened in baptism were above the mundane things, temptations also had such dimensions. The same Spirit that gave Jesus the sense of mission led him to the wilderness. The sense of mission was given further clarification through the temptations. The methodology of the mission was clearly defined. The satanic opposition and distraction will be a continuous experience in the ministry of Jesus. He could be overpowered in the same style. Rebuking the evil spirits and exorcising the devil was one of the important programmes of Jesus' ministry. These things are to happen in the power of the Spirit. They are not the manifestations of physical power according to human criteria. If such a tendency occurs, even the chief among the disciples, Peter, could become satanic in expressions. (Mark. 8:33).
2. The purpose of the temptations was to strengthen Jesus in the given mission. Wilderness was always the spiritual training centre for the people of God. Lessons about divine provisions and security were provided there. Forty has been taken as a significant number in the history of Israel. Moses spent forty days on the mountain. (Exo. 24:18) Elijah ran to Horeb continuously forty days with the nourishment he received from the heavenly food (1 Kings 19:8). Forty days could be taken as a usage to denote a comparatively long period. Satan was seen as the accuser against the children of God (Job. 1:7; Zech 3:2). Jesus triumphed over the satanic scrutiny and the possible chances of rejecting the kingdom ways. Satan fell down from heaven because of the ministry of Jesus (Luke. 10:1-19). The real challenge of faith existence is to triumph over satanic temptations, relying only on the Word of God.
3. This text also provides us with the association of spirit-angels; satan-wild animals. Protection from wild animals is a promise given to the children of God. (Psalm 91:11-13) Wilderness was the free zone of wild animals. (Deuter. 8:15; Num.21:6-8). When Jesus was guided to the wilderness, he was not all alone there. The celestial orders came to his assistance. It is always encouraging to know that when life's journey seems difficult because of Satan and wild animals, the presence of heavenly angels will be there to protect us.
Point to ponder
Do we realise that the Christian life need not be insulated from dangers and temptations, but will be assured of the enabling presence of God?
Prayer
Pray for someone undergoing difficulties in their day to day experiences.
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