Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit (the same Holy Spirit that had just appeared in visible form at Jesus' baptism in the previous chapter of Matthew's gospel).

If it is then asked why the Holy Spirit would play a role in causing Jesus to be tempted, I believe that it is more accurate to speak of Jesus being tested, which God was recorded as doing on multiple occasions in the Old Testament.

For example, in speaking to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:2-3 as they were about to enter the Promised Land, and in a passage from which Jesus Himself quoted to Satan, Moses said, "You shall remember all the ways which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD."

In order to fully identify with humans in their weakness, Jesus was similarly tested, but prevailed on our behalf by demonstrating His reliance upon and devotion to God, while at the same time not testing God by unnecessarily or recklessly presuming upon His protection.

July 01 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report