“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
Mark 1:9-13 NIV

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
2 Corinthians 4:17

Amen.

This is recorded in the first 3 gospels(synoptic). We see even the lord was tempted. But at first glance we find this to be odd. The same spirit that came down on him like a beautiful dove is the same spirit that sent him out into the wilderness where this all happened. In the other recordings, it says he was sent for that very purpose- to be tempted. But why?

One take on it is to look about like this

“Endure hardship as discipline.” Even the son of God was tested and tried, and he endured. So, when we go through them, it solidifies that we are children of God. Jesus had his faith tested so he could it could be strong- this is love. There’s a saying in America regarding fitness,” no pain, no gain”.

Amid temptation, tests, trials, it’s a pain. Other gospel authors expressed that he was fasting during these 40 days-making things more difficult.

But the Bible assures us that these times of suffering are light and momentary and that they lead to greater glory. In the world, these things are a drag, they’re not valuable at all- like trash. But these things can be treasured by us, the children of God. So, as we pray, let’s remember the Lord’s prayer that says, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” If we face trials and temptation we can remember his tender love and compassion that he would make us strong through them and deliver us to new depths of faith and maturity.

Amen.