Led Into the Wilderness
March 1, 2020 Preacher: Amanda Bakale Series: Lent 2020
Topic: Holy Spirit Scripture: Matthew 3:13– 4:11
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Note that the Holy Spirit, who descended on Jesus after he was baptized, then immediately led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Throughout the Bible, the wilderness is portrayed as a place of struggle, conflict, and suffering; this passage is no exception. Also note, however, that the Spirit did not abandon Jesus in the wilderness. The forty-day fast Jesus went through left him hungry in a physical sense, but it also strengthened his connection with his Father and enabled him to resist Satan's temptations.
The difficulties and sorrows of life can make us feel as if we are in the wilderness. At these times, the devil can tempt us to think that God has abandoned us; indeed, of all the lies that the Father of Lies tells, this is one of the most common. The truth is, God is always with us. Jesus knows what it's like to be in the wilderness; that is why he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us--the same Spirit that was with him.
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More in Lent 2020
April 12, 2020
Fear and Joy at EasterApril 10, 2020
Why? (Good Friday)April 5, 2020
Hosanna Prayers