A Lenten Series on the number 40!
Jesus’ 40 days in
the wilderness
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
[Historically, Lent is a 40‑day period of
preparation leading up to Easter. It involves reflection, repentance and readiness
for the resurrection. Ultimately, it leads us to transformation. The number 40
is significant in the Bible as it is associated with multiple stories of
preparation and testing. In this Lenten series, we will be looking at various
Biblical stories that revolve around the number 40, and how that applies to
us.]
Turning 40 was a milestone for me! But it was also when I started noticing the inevitable decline of my body, such as needing bifocals. Needless to say, it was a difficult adjustment!
However, it was incomparable to the difficulties that
Jesus faced while living in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights where he
was tempted by the devil. Scripture tells us that he lived in the elements
among the wild animals and fasted the whole time.
In reading about Jesus’ experience, two questions
come to mind. First, why did the Holy Spirit lead him into the wilderness to be
tempted and tested? Wouldn’t it have been better if Jesus had just started on
his mission right away.
There could have been many reasons why it was
important, if not necessary. Like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness
for 40 years, God may have wanted to make sure that his son Jesus would be
obedient even under the worst conditions.
Considering that scripture tells us that the Lord
disciplines those he loves, God may also have wanted to prepare Jesus for what
he would endure. Not only for the cross, but for the temptations that he would experience
before then.
Or maybe God wanted Jesus to be confident in his faith.
Even Jesus needed affirmation. Just like when he was baptized God affirmed him
by saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
One reason for sure is that he did it for us. In
Hebrews we read that he is able to “empathize with our weaknesses” and “has
been tempted in every way, just as we are”. Because of this, he “is able
to help those who are being tempted”.
16 Let us then
approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV Hebrews
4
My second question is, when responding to the
devil’s temptations, why do you think Jesus quoted verses only from
Deuteronomy? I’m pretty sure he knew more Scripture than that.
It makes me think that Jesus might have been
meditating on it while he was in the wilderness. After all, the historical
setting of Deuteronomy is that Moses was preparing the Israelites to cross the
Jordan River and enter the Promised Land.
In a way, this parallels Jesus’ situation. Maybe God
was preparing Jesus to begin his ministry to bring the Kingdom of God. Not a
geo-political kingdom like the Promised Land of Canaan, but a spiritual
Promised Land.
15 “The time has
come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and
believe the good news!” NIV Mark 1
We all reach milestones in our life. Jesus reached a
milestone when he spent 40 days and nights being tempted in the wilderness. More
importantly though, he reached a milestone of being obedient to his heavenly
Father – even unto death.
And by reaching that milestone, he made it possible
for us to reach our own. That is, embracing the Kingdom of God.
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