10/4/24
Immediately the Spirit drove Him (Jesus) into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness 40 days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beast; and the angels ministered to Him. Mark 1:12–13
Reading in the Gospel of Mark today, I am struck with the question "why did Jesus need to go into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by Satan?"
Satan, a created being had dwelt in heaven before his rebellion and exile from heaven, and he knew God, yet when the second person of the trinity came to earth and took on flesh He became an unknown quantity, so to speak, to Satan.
Satan had know God in the Spirit form but this "Man" he did not know. Satan knew men and was very capable of deceiving them and leading them into sin. But what about this "Man"....
So Satan began the inquiry... "If" you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus hadn't eaten for 40 days, of course He was hungry.
Then standing on the highest Point of the temple Satan again said "If" you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written 'He shall give His angels church over you.'
And then standing on a high mountain Satan offered this "Man" all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if He would bow down and worship him....
Jesus said away with you Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.
It's interesting that this was at the very beginning of Jesus's public ministry. He was just the son of a carpenter from Nazareth until now. From here after, all the demons knew who Jesus was.
I can only imagine the emergency meeting Satan called. Every demon from this point on knew exactly who the "Man" Jesus was. The war had begun. Not on some distant battleground but right here in Satan's home territory.
Jesus, the "Man" went on to win the war, conquering death, taking away Satan's greatest tool, but the battles rage on. Battles for minds, hearts, and souls. There are many afflicted, many wounded, and many casualties.
As soldiers of Jesus Christ we must use as our defense the very word of God just as Jesus did. We must see the people around us as those minds, hearts, and souls that Satan is trying to afflict, deceive, and ultimately destroy. As soldiers of Christ there is no time for rest here from spiritual battles.
Heavenly Father please help us sense the urgency of telling people about Jesus, lest they continue to be afflicted, deceived and lost. Aimlessly wandering through this life, stumbling towards the cliff of the abiss they will one day step off of. Help us to be engaged as Your soldiers. People need Jesus. In His name we pray AMEN
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