Why did the Spirit “drive” Jesus out into the desert for forty days of fasting and temptation? [Mark 1: 12] Why did he endure this trial? We have clues from Scripture. 

Remember the Israelites spent forty years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt. God was preparing them and forming them as his sacred people. He formed them for the sacred mission of bringing his Truth to the nations. As a priestly people, he set them apart for his work of salvation. They were tempted to complain against God and Moses when there was little food or water. They were tempted to return to slavery in Egypt and abandon the Lord who had saved them. [Numbers 14: 2] Yet God provided for them and continued to save them despite their rebellious hearts. 

Elijah journeyed for forty days through the desert to Mt Horeb after escaping death. He despaired and even prayed to God to end his life because he thought he was a failure. But God sent angels to give him water and food and direct him to continue the journey. [1 Kings 19: 3-7]

To strengthen his chosen ones and prepare them for their mission, God impels them to endure a desert experience. Therefore Jesus, the only Son of God, went out into the desert for forty days to endure privation and temptation. He did this to prepare himself for the great mission of salvation. Just as God prepared Israel and the prophets for his purpose, he allowed Jesus to lead the way for us through prayer and fasting.

While in the desert, Jesus really suffered hunger, thirst, and temptation. He shares our humanity completely, so he was really tempted as we are. Matthew’s version of the story relates that the tempter tried to get him to use his power as Son of God to turn stones into bread. [Matthew 4: 1-11] In effect, he was tempted to use his power for his own needs rather than remaining connected to the Father’s will and trusting his Providence.  

Then the devil wanted him to put God to the test by throwing himself off the Temple. We may encounter this temptation in our own lives. We might rush through life presuming that God’s Grace and mercy will be available always at our convenience. We might even presume that our own agendas are in line with God’s will simply because they seem good for us. 

Finally, Satan tempted Jesus to worship him. All of us are tempted to put the false gods of this world before the One who must be first in our lives. Power, pleasure, fame, and possessions all contend for dominance in our priorities. Jesus teaches that we must worship and serve God alone. 

This season of Lent is an opportunity to have a desert experience with Jesus and let his Grace form us for God’s purpose. Lent is not a hardship to be endured. It is a blessed time, a time of Grace and opportunity to grow stronger in Spirit and closer to God. The Church encourages us to take advantage of the many opportunities in Lent for growth through prayer, penance, and good works.

Our prayer should lead us to a deeper intimacy and greater trust in God. Our practice of penance or fasting should lead us to hunger for the only food that will truly satisfy; that is the Lord himself in the Eucharist. Our works of charity will form us according to God’s will and lead us to a deeper love of others. 

We are invited into the desert with Jesus during this Lent. It might be uncomfortable or challenging but if we want to be true disciples, we need to follow where the Master leads. We will gain strength as the Lord sustains us with the Bread of life. We will become more fully alive and be ready to celebrate Easter with renewed joy. 

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