Lent Day 3. Matthew 4

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God…” (Mt. 4:1-3)

◇ Jesus received baptism and went into the wilderness to fast for forty days. Then, he was tempted by Satan.

Why did Jesus not go straight to Galilee but went to the wilderness to fast? Was it not to train for his crucifixion? Was it not to gain what was necessary to overcome the thoughts and demands of this world, as a perfect human being? The confidence in God's will and plan, the faith in the salvation of this world through the substitutionary cross.

As Jesus fasted for 40 days, he was physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted when Satan tempted him with the most human desires and wants. Jesus overcame these things. He rejected the glory and wealth of this world and chose the bleeding cross.

Jesus called Satan the one who obstructs the way of the cross. Peter did the same thing as Satan who tempted him in the wilderness to prevent him from carrying the cross. Jesus told Peter, who promised to protect him, to get away from him, Satan.

Being a bearer of the cross is the greatest thing that accomplishes God's will, love, and grace toward the creation of God. What would have happened if Jesus had not borne the cross? We would not exist today. We, who hope for the kingdom of God tomorrow, would not exist.

Why did Jesus choose to bear the cross, shedding blood and tearing flesh, instead of worldly glory?

♧ Father God, how difficult was it for you? How painful was it for you? How agonizing was it for you? Thank you for bearing the cross for the new cycle of life. Please guide me by the Holy Spirit so that I can carry my cross. Amen.