Continuing today in Luke 4:1-13 we find another contributing factor preceding Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. First we saw that Jesus had just been baptized and had experienced a highly emotional and spiritual experience. Next we see that He was alone. Nowhere does it say that any human went with Jesus into the wilderness nor that He came across anyone while He was there.
Alone. Jesus was totally alone in the wilderness other than the Holy Spirit’s presence and Satan’s. I don’t know about you, but I would not want to be alone in the wilderness nor in a woods nor anywhere else. I don’t mind being alone in my home but when I’m out and about, I prefer to have the company of other people. When I’m alone and suddenly I hear someone talking near me, it startles me. Satan may have been preying on the fact that Jesus was alone which would really get Jesus’ attention when someone spoke to Him.
Companionship. Having a friend with us is very desirable at times. It makes the journey more enjoyable. Jesus did not have any human companions with Him during His time in the wilderness. He had not yet called His disciples nor did He have any followers. Sometimes not having a companion frees us up to change plans, move in a different direction or at a different pace, or just stop and rest without considering the person with us. For Jesus that meant He could block out everything else and listen only to the Holy Spirit.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
Conversation. I can’t imagine what it was like for Jesus to have no one to talk to except God for 40 days. I have enough trouble getting through one day with no one to talk to except my cat! I’m sure there was an ongoing interaction between Jesus and the Holy Spirit since He was the one who led Jesus into the wilderness. Was it an audible conversation? It could have been, but since no one was with Jesus, there’s no way to know for sure. Not all of my conversations are audible either. Some are only in my mind, some are on paper, and some are in text, email, or other electronic communications.
Be alert. Do things seem more tempting and alluring at night? When you’re alone? When you’re feeling letdown after a spiritual or emotional high? That’s when we have to be on guard more than other times. When we have that companion and conversation, it can help keep us on track, but look out when we’re alone and there’s no one looking or listening. That’s when Satan tries to trip us up and tell us no one will know.
There’s still another thing that factored into Jesus’ temptations which we’ll look at tomorrow. After that we’ll look at each of the three temptations Satan threw at Jesus and how He responded.
PRAYER POINT FOR TODAY:
Lord, guard my heart and mind, especially when I’m alone, that I will not allow temptation to get hold and pull me down. Keep me strong in the Spirit.
- Week 1 – temptation
- Week 2 – confession, forgiveness, and fasting
- Week 3 – listening to God and answering when He calls
- Week 4 – God’s love for us
- Week 5 – waiting, anxiety, and trust
- Week 6 – suffering, pain, and struggles
- Easter – resurrection and salvation