Sketchy Lent: Temptation in the Wilderness
A visual devotional on Jesus' Temptation in the wilderness.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:1-4, ESV)
Passing the Test in the Wilderness
When the Israelites were in The Wilderness, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron over their hunger. Despite their hard hearts, God responded with abundance.
When Jesus faced a similar trial, he responded differently. Instead of grumbling, he passed the test.
He quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3, a passage that reflects on the lessons Israel learned during their wilderness wanderings. Before the Israelites enter the promised land, Moses reminds the people that God humbled them and allowed them to hunger so that they might learn to depend on Him and live by His word.
Jesus understands this lesson deeply. He knows that true life and satisfaction come from doing the will of his Father and living by His word. He chooses to trust in God's provision and timing, even in the face of intense hunger and temptation.
How often do we face similar tests in our own wilderness experiences?
The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the ways we respond to hardship and temptation. It's an opportunity to confess the times we've grumbled and complained, and to ask God to help us trust in His provision and purpose, even when we don't understand.
It’s also a chance to practice the right response. We choose to enter into a hardship to practice responding well. When unexpected hardships come, we are more ready to trust God.
As we journey through this season, let's ask God to give us the faith and courage to pass the tests we face, and to find our deepest satisfaction in Him alone.
Reflections
Think back on the last week. Was there a "wilderness moment” when you were tempted? How did you respond? Was this typical or unusual for you?
What can you learn from Jesus' example in this passage? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's word and a greater desire to do His will, even in the face of hardship or temptation?
Jesus also declares himself to be the bread of Life and that if we come to him we will never hunger (John 6:35), what does this mean for us when we face temptation?
Prayer
Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who passed the test in the wilderness and trusted in you. Forgive us for the times we've grumbled and complained, forgetting Your faithfulness and provision. Help us to learn from the lessons of The Wilderness, to depend on You and to find our deepest satisfaction in doing Your will. Give us the faith and courage to pass the tests we face, knowing that You are with us and that You are working all things together for our good and Your glory.
Amen