stephen R Harrison

“In the Desert”

“From that time on, Jesus began to preach, 

‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.’”

–Matthew 4:17

I’ve never been lost in the desert. I’ve tried to avoid being in the desert at all. I’m not the biggest fan of the sand at the beach, and I’ve seen too many movies about someone dying of thirst in the desert. A desert is a desolate wasteland offering little hope of survival. I remember reading the estimated time someone would survive if stranded in a desert was anywhere from two to five days if the temperature was cooler and shade was available. And if you didn’t have water, death was inevitable in a couple of days. Why would someone deliberately go into the desert? 

After baptism, Jesus began his ministry alone with a forty-day retreat of fasting and prayer in the Judean desert. He didn’t wander, lost and desperate. He was purposely “led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). Would we trust the Spirit to lead us into and through such a dry and arid place? After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry and led into three temptations. God allowed this period of testing to identify with the struggles and temptations we would all face. While we all would succumb to temptation in those circumstances, Jesus remained sinless and endured the devil’s trials. He shows us how to overcome the devil’s temptations.

During his first temptation, Jesus was offered bread by the devil to eat. Jesus encountered the temptation to gratify the flesh as he was hungry after fasting for forty days. He was submissive to the will of the Father instead of attempting to fulfill his desires apart from him. Jesus responded, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus showed us how to trust God for provision and goodness, as he is all-sufficient and all-loving.

During his second temptation, Jesus was enticed to throw himself off the top of the Jerusalem temple, a place representative of God’s provision and protection of His people. The devil can seem so convincing in his schemes – he quoted Psalm 91 to Jesus! How many times has the devil (or others) twisted God’s Holy Word and brought confusion to believers? Again, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, saying, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”.  Just as Israel was tempted to question God’s presence and provision of water in the desert, Jesus was also tempted to do the same. Jesus proved we can rest secure in all God’s promises.

In his last temptation, Jesus was taken by the devil to a very high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the world. The devil’s promise to give Jesus all of these was one of immediate reward versus the road of suffering ahead of him. Jesus reminded the devil worship belongs to God alone. How often have we been tempted to instantly exalt ourselves over trusting God and walking out his plan? The devil offers all the pleasures and provisions of this world now if we will sell our souls to him in worship. Jesus shows us how to worship God in humble obedience and trust instead of prideful defiance and suspicion.

Through his temptations, Jesus trusted his Father for provision, presence, and promises. During Lent, may the Spirit lead you to a place of prayer and fasting that results in a humble perspective and trust in God’s perfect plan. Even in times of wilderness, may Jesus’ example of obedience and suffering drive you to depend on God. 

Questions: 

Which of Jesus’ three temptations is most challenging for you?

When you are tempted, how do God’s characteristics strengthen you?

What Scriptures help you overcome temptation? 

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for helping us overcome temptation and reminding us to trust God even in times of wilderness. May we learn to trust you more, especially when we feel alone, tired, empty, and afraid. Remind us of your presence, provision, and promises daily.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Matthew 4:1-17

Action Step:

Choose two or three Scriptures to memorize to help you when tempted. 

Write them down. Speak them aloud. Place them in places you constantly look. Recite them as you trust the Lord to deliver you from temptation.