A Long Walk to Victory. Lent & Easter: A Season of Refreshing, Reflection, and Rembrance

It Began in the Wilderness- Matthew 4:1-2

English Standard Version Chapter 4

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him

This auspicious beginning was originated by God himself. In this passage we have 2 members of the God-head. Each being submissive to the other. Each present as an expression of surrender to the third member, God the Father.

We have the purpose stated: to be tempted, tried, tested. All of these and any combination thereof.

The tempting is in a unique expression: Satan is speaking and present. We often overlook the presence of the devil. V. 2 states, “and the tempter came”. The tempter, the devil, spoke with real words. Jesus addresses him. Jesus converses with him. This is the only time where this is to occur in Jesus’ earthly life. Because of this initial battle of “choice & obedience” the demons & evil spirits will for the remaining time of earth be in sheer panic and fear of Jesus, the Son of God, Holy One.

The Conversation is Direct and Pointed

The Conversation was Determined and Purposeful

The Conversation was a foretelling of what was to come.

The Season of Lent: a journey of surrender....