Led by the spirit into the wilderness
The occasion of them, or the opportunity given to the tempter, is spoken of in this and the following verse. The occasion, nature, and success of these temptations are here related. This is an apt description of what you endure in your preparation to follow Jesus.The Evangelist having finished his account of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ of his ministry and baptism and particularly of the baptism of Christ when the Holy Ghost came down upon him in a visible and eminent manner whereby he was anointed for his public work, according to ( Isaiah 61:1 ) proceeds to give a narration of his temptations by Satan, which immediately followed his baptism and of those conflicts he had with the enemy of mankind before he entered on his public ministry.
Any wildlife that could survive in these areas were predatory. There were scarce resources of food and water, or none at all.
(The wilderness was a dangerous, barren, dry, life threatening environment. This is deadly serious and gloriously real.) This is one of the most powerful events in the life of a Believer and Follower of Jesus. The Spirit of God who comforts, guides, leads, empowers, convicts of sin, prays on your behalf with Words and Groanings to deep for our understanding. This is the Spirit of God, present at creation. Jesus not only calls but He actually MAKES Disciples.Ĭonsider this carefully so when it begins you will not lose heart and turn back. But, endure to the end and you will be ministered to by the Angels and you will see the Glory of the Lord in the land of the living.įollowing Jesus is not just about attending church and saying you believe in Him. Remember, if you desire to follow Jesus you will encounter and suffer these prophetic words of John 3. John 4:1 "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." This is the Message demonstrated by the Son of God which will prepare you to do the Works of God, and yes, even greater works, which He said we must do. This is the model and the pattern you must expect to encounter which you must endure to completion, to be His Disciple. This is a dangerous and yet rewarding transformation of your life and purpose. These were not just "stories about Jesus" or just words. But, instead of a doctrine or a process, this is the Living Truth of the Word of God. This is a step in the process we have come to call "The process of Sanctification". The book of John, Chapter 3, gives another secret of the Oracles of God. His Word is powerful: To the creating of worlds To the pulling down of strongholds Piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. His Word is prophetic: It tells the Truth to you, and when you hide the Word in your heart, and it tells the Truth through you.
His Word is perfect: It is infallible, It is inerrant, It is immutable, It is eternal. Yes - you have to follow Him - for realīefore I study and meditate on the Word of God, I remind myself that.What is Shemitah and why should I care?.Give them their food at the proper time.