Matthew 4:1–11
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3 During that time the devil[a] came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’[d]”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’[e]”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Lent is 40 days leading to Easter Sunday, which falls on April 17.
Why 40 days instead of 30 days or 21 days?
Today’s passage says Jesus went into the wilderness for fasting and prayer for 40 days. 40-day tradition came from this passage, but 40 days come out in different places and time in the Scripture.
First time 40-day period is mentioned, God sent the flood to the earth for 40 days (and nights). During 40 days, God wiped out all living things on the ground, including humanity, and He reset the history of humanity with another father named Noah.
40 days come out in Exodus when Prophet Moses went up to Mount Sinai for God’s instruction. Moses received the tables of law from God himself, which became covenant between God and His people.
In 1 Samuel 17, Philistine warrior Goliath challenged and taunted the people of Israel for 40 straight days and people melt down with fear.
A discouraged prophet named Elijah travelled to Mount Sinai for 40 day and had a divine encounter, where God renewed the call and mission of Elijah.
During 40 days,
God did away with the old and brought out the new.
God established the covenant with His people.
People of God lost faith and melt down with fear.
God renewed the call and mission of the prophet.
Christ fasted and overcame temptation, preparing for his ministry.
Our God is still in the business of doing amazing things.
Next 40 days,
God can breathe a new life on us.
God can reestablish His relationship with us.
God can renew the call and mission in our lives.
God can lead us through wilderness and help us overcome temptation.
He can do amazing things in our lives.
Let us make the season of Lent the Adventure.
Adventure is a journey, not boring, but exciting.
Adventure is a journey, not easy, but hard and unpredictable.
During these 40 days, go on a hard journey and make it an adventure.
We will fast during 40 days – Do fast as a part of adventure, not as a ritual.
You can fast food, or activities.
Don’t just fast for the sake of participation.
But choose fasting that will help your mental, physical, spiritual well-being.
Fast things that will help you closer to Christ.
During this time Christ was tempted by the devil to give in and give up.
When Jesus was hungry, the devil challenged Jesus to use his power to feed himself. When he was physically weak, the devil challenged Jesus to prove himself and save himself in his need. He promised Jesus the world if Christ would bow to him.
Each time Jesus stayed faithful by relying on God’s Word.
Fasting also serves as a reminder to seek and depend on Christ.
The fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday will remind us of our need for God.
Do something to worship Jesus Christ during this season.
Spending time on Bible reading and prayer honors and worship Christ.
Loving the neighbors and blessing them with God’s love honors and worships Christ.
Generosity honors God. Helping people in need honors God.
Caring for the fatherless/motherless, the disabled, imprisoned, sick, the homeless - they all honor the Lord.
Do something you haven’t done, yet feel called to do.
God is going to do something amazing next 40 days if we go on an adventure with Him.
Prayerfully answer three questions as you go on this adventure.
What do you desire to see God doing in your life?
What do you want to fast for healthy and godly life?
What do you want to do as a posture of worship next 40 days?
May God surround you with His presence and power during this special season.
