“Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.”
Mark 1:13
It’s no surprise that the wilderness is the setting for this story. The 40 years of wilderness wandering of the Israelites is echoed in Jesus’ 40 days of temptation. Forty is a number of significance, and it should read to us as “a very long time.”
Each of the temptations Jesus faces (detailed in Matthew and Luke’s accounts) ask the same question in different ways: what will Jesus do with the opportunity for earthly power and glory? Each offers Jesus an alternative mission: a way other than the cross; a way other than through death.
These temptations all touch on Jesus’ identity; is he really the Son of God? And if so, what kind of Messiah will he reveal himself to be?
One of the gifts of saving faith through Christ is that we become heirs to the Kingdom of God. Our identity is rooted in being a child of God. Our calling is to join with God’s reconciling work in the world.
How often are we tempted to forsake the mission to which we are called? When have we been tempted to preserve our power, reputation or privilege instead of being faithful to God? When have we been tempted to avoid the way of suffering?
God, may I remember that my identity and calling come from you. In times of testing, may I be found faithful. May I trust in your truth and goodness above all else. Amen.
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some comfort and joy 