Luke 4:1-13; John 1:19-34

Think About It

Has God ever allowed you to go through a wilderness experience where everything seemed to be going wrong? Was there a time when it seemed impossible for you to live for Christ? In what ways have you found it hard to stay connected to Jesus during Covid-19? What have you learned through it?

Read Deuteronomy 8:2-9. This is an account of what the people of Israel went through in the wilderness. What are some parallels between this and what Jesus must have experienced?

Digging Deeper

Jesus, now filled with the Holy Spirit, was led into the desert. This was all part of God's plan. It was important for Jesus to be tempted just like we are, so that He could defeat sin and evil. Every human being has given in to sin – from Adam and Eve, right up to you and me. Jesus had the power to defeat the devil because He resisted the power of evil over His life.

The wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days was hot and dry in the day, with no trees to shade Him from the sun. At night it would have been cold and uncomfortable for sleeping. We all have wilderness experiences: difficult times in our lives when we wonder if God has forgotten about us. Often, as in Jesus' case, God allows these experiences so that He can mold us and change us.

If we let them, wilderness experiences help us listen to God. They help us to depend on Him and to put the things we have learned into practice. Next time you find yourself in the wilderness, instead of just asking God to bring you out, also ask Him what He is teaching you through that difficulty.

When you read the temptations Jesus faced, we see that the devil is challenging Jesus' identity as God's Son. Isn’t it interesting that the Father had just confirmed Jesus’ identity at His baptism? Even though His identity was being challenged, Jesus stands strong by relying on the truth of God's Word. Satan will always try to attack our identity as Christians. He wants us to doubt and ask ourselves: Am I really a Christian? Does God really love me? Does He really want me as His son or daughter? Our response should always be with the truth of God's Word. When we know who we are in Jesus, Satan will not be able to overcome us with temptation.

Watch: Jesus in the Judean Wilderness https://vimeo.com/148735462 (4:35).

Spend some time asking the Father to speak to you about the time you spend daily with Him. Listen for His voice.

Is there anything God is saying to you about a new discipline or practice He wants you to instil in your life when it comes to spending time with Him and in His Word? How can you grow in hearing the Father’s voice? What will you do to make this happen and who will hold you accountable?