The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Mark 1:12-13 NLT
After the wonderful moment of baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit of God. Luke 4:1 gives us a little more insight when it says, Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness (NLT). Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus fully submitted himself to the Spirit’s control. Everything about his life was led by the Spirit.
Albeit, he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. The Son of God did not escape temptation by the devil. Temptations can come at different times and in different forms. The temptation that Jesus faced was based on different circumstances at the moment. Jesus experienced victory. Temptation will come in the way of every child of God.
This encounter between Jesus and Satan was the greatest combat that has ever taken place on the face of the earth and by far the most important. If Jesus had failed at any point, we would have no hope of resisting temptation or of receiving salvation. Jesus was victorious. Although the Spirit led Jesus to the place where He would be tempted, it is important to note that God is never the tempter. James 1:13 makes it clear that God cannot tempt anyone.
While helping others, you are going to encounter various tests and temptations. It will be up to you regarding how you respond. God led you into the ministry, into that combat, into the spiritual warfare over the lives of others, and just because you encounter temptations does not mean God has led you into temptation. God allowed His Son to be tested for the sole purpose that, through His victory, Jesus might demonstrate His absolute power and authority over the devil’s devices.
