The first event of Jesus’ public ministry did not take place in public, but it influenced everything he did from that point on.
After Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17), he was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for a time of testing. For forty days, Jesus was alone and without food. Then Satan came and suggested that Jesus feed himself by turning the stones into bread. Jesus recoiled from this idea as if doing so would be the worst thing in the world. Then Satan challenges him to prove that he is God’s Son by throwing himself off the temple and seeing if God would protect him. Jesus treats this suggestion with similar contempt. Lastly, Satan tries to convince Jesus to become the ruler of the world. That was his end goal anyway, so why not start there? Again, Jesus does not choose that option (Matthew 4:1-11).
The question is, “What was the test here?” Feeding oneself after forty days seems reasonable. Proving his Sonship at the start of his ministry would have moved things along. Ruling the world would get the message out more quickly than teaching one person at a time. What is the problem?
Two phrases help us understand the real test. The first is, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (verse 1). The second is Satan saying, “All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me” (verse 9).
The temptation had nothing to do with hunger, God’s care, or gaining power. The real test was about who was in charge. Would Jesus do things God’s way or not? Would he wait on God’s timing or make his own? Would he take the difficult way with God or find an easier route?
Jesus’ refusal to do anything other than what his father wanted is seen throughout the rest of his ministry. He constantly said things like, “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me” (John 8:28) and “Not my will but yours be done” (Matthew 26:39/42/44).
Jesus knew that taking a shortcut instead of doing things God’s way would short-circuit the entire process.
What about us? Are we actually following God, or do we just call ourselves followers?
There is a huge difference.
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