Temptation

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. [Matthew 4.1]

Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Why was that?

Was it a sort of 'right of passage?' Is that even a thing?

Was it to confirm to Jesus that He was indeed the Son of God?

Was it to confirm to the devil that Jesus was the Son of God?

Was it to confirm to the Father God that Jesus was His Son?

What was that temptation period all about?

Whatever it was about, it preceded all of what we have come to know as Jesus' earthly ministry. It was shortly following this time of temptation that Jesus began to teach and to perform miracles.

It makes me wonder how many of us have tried to circumvent our own 'right of passage' into ministry when we have not even learned to resist temptation. And that may not be so much so God will know we are serious, but that we will know we are serious. It is worth considering however that the ministry of Jesus (teachings and miracles) did not begin until after this time of temptation.

The depth of meaning of the temptation of Jesus is staggering. It would be easier to just ignore the implications of it and go on like normal. However, if we are struggling to see ourselves in like ministry to Jesus, should we not question our journey to get there? Did we miss something? Could it be that we have not successfully resisted temptation with God's Word signaling our preparation to wield the teachings and miracles of God?

If Jesus is our example (and He is), then we simply cannot ignore Matthew 4.

Father, help me to see the necessity of following Your Spirit as Jesus did - understanding the role of temptations in my journey of obedience to You in ministry.