Imagine Jesus as he returned from the wilderness and his battle with the unrelenting temptation Satan immersed him in. How do you see him?
He had fasted for 40 days and nights, having liquids only. Ever tried that? I fasted for 5 days once. Aside from the hunger, I became dizzy when I stood up, my mind tended to wander, and when it was engaged I was obsessed with food.
And he fasted for 40 days and nights? He was doing battle, physical, spiritual, and mental. So how do you see him as he returned to the encampment of John and Baptist and the crowd John continued to draw? Was he gaunt, wasted with hunger? Was he unkempt with wild eyes? Was he exhausted from the battle, stumbling out of the desert?
I think (and it is only my opinion) no to all the above. The verses that end the temptation narrative are usually glossed over. Luke ends the encounter with, “When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until an opportune time.” Chilling verse! It gives us sight that the devil wasn’t done with him yet, just as it seems he is not done with us yet. But at least Jesus was able to rest and recoup.
Matthew ends the account this way…”Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” That’s why I don’t think he stumbled from the desert. Angels took care of his need for nourishment, peace, and strength. He was renewed.
There’s another reason to believe he was renewed. It’s in John’s gospel: “The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, ‘Look! There is the Lamb of God!’ When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.” John did not say, “Oh, my gosh! What happened to you?” He identified Jesus, the Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world. The Messiah.
Jesus has not yet begun his ministry. Preparation for him is still being made. His human character and endurance are still being molded. He will not run ahead on his own. He is walking faithfully the path God has put him on. In about a week from this moment, he will begin. But he’s not there yet.
The longer we live the more likely it is that we too will go through periods of intense temptation. Some of us will go through many such times, and those of us who are addicted will fight a continual battle with a desire that seems to never go away. In those times we will be tempted to believe that we are alone, that it’s up to us, that the temptation and conditions we face are unique to us, that there is no way out. If the temptation of Jesus was indeed complete, then he too had those feelings.
Temptation seems overwhelming and irresistible until we remember and put into practice these simple things: First, focusing on relevant scripture is a great way to take our mind off the temptation. That’s what Jesus did, and that’s why memorizing certain key passages is so helpful. Second, we are never alone. It’s good to remind ourselves of that, and to say it out loud over and over until we calm down a bit. The Lord is our shepherd and his eye is ever upon us. Only experience can teach us the truth of that. Third, none of us is unique to the problems shared by humankind. It is only our pride that makes us think so. Others have been there, done that. Others will understand.
But most importantly, he is the Great Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world, your world…all sins; past, present, future. You can follow his example. Be aware that your character is still being molded; your endurance is still being developed. When tempted, don’t run ahead on your own. Talk to Jesus, who understands. He will calm your heart and restore right thinking. And always remember what King David found out: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”