Matthew 4:1-4
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 4:1-4 keep in mind that Jesus has just identified with rebellious humanity through his baptism.
The grand narrative of the Bible locates the first humans in a life-sustaining garden created by God. Like their Creator, the first humans were charged with taking dominion and creating order out of the wildness and chaos of creation. But when tempted by the sight and thought of forbidden fruit, Eve and then Adam allowed a created being (the serpent) to take dominion over them. Every human ever since has been caught up in a struggle against an inevitable descent into chaos.
Until Jesus.
In the wilderness, Jesus sets the balance right again by taking dominion over a created being – namely Satan. Jesus does not give in to the temptation of untamed desire but instead places his physical needs directly into the hands of God the Father. Only the perfect human, unencumbered by the consequences of rebellion, could provide a “do-over” for all humanity.
How do you react to the idea that Jesus made a way for us to be freed from our chaos? Talk to Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 4:1-4 again noticing the number of days Jesus has been fasting.
The people of Israel spent 40 years wandering the wilderness because they repeatedly failed to entrust themselves to God’s provision. Now Jesus returns to the wilderness and willingly goes without food for 40 days. What Israel could not do in forty years, Jesus does in 40 days. He remains steadfast in his unswerving trust of God the Father.
For the last minutes of this time of meditation, take stock of your own ability to trust God. Think of specific times when you’ve been in need either physically, emotionally, or materially. How did you do with placing yourself into the hands of God the Father and trusting God for provision?
Share your feelings about this with Jesus.
Now consider the fact that Jesus was the only person who was ever completely successful at trusting God.
We are only able to trust God to the extent that we lean into Jesus.
Get quiet and let this sink in. Then listen to Jesus.
If you sense Jesus calling you toward an action of some kind, make a plan to follow through today.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
