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Daily Devotions

40 Days and 40 Nights

40 Days and 40 Nights 
Day 
Introduction

AN INTRODUCTION

Text: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4

AN INTRODUCTION

We will commence a study of that episode of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels. Before He began His public ministry, there was a period of seclusion.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we have this statement.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty
days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”
Matthew 4:1-2

Mark also noted this episode. He wrote,

“Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan,
and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.”
Mark 1:12-13

Luke also noted this event. However, he presented this episode in a slightly different way.

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit,
returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
being tempted for forty days by the devil.
And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward,
when they had ended, He was hungry.”
Luke 4:1-2

A few things were commonly noted by the Synoptic Gospel writers: –

1. The Holy Spirit was involved.

2. Jesus spent 40 Days and 40 Nights in the wilderness.

3. Satan, the Devil tested Him during this period.

OUR LINE OF INVESTIGATION

Since the Synoptic Gospel writers noted that the Lord Jesus was in the Wilderness for 40 Days and 40 Nights, this period of time must have been an important one. Unfortunately, they did not elaborate on what Jesus did there in the wilderness. Several questions readily come to mind.

1. Why was Jesus sent into the wilderness?

2. Why did He maintain a fast for so long?

3. How did He occupy Himself every day?

4. What was Satan allowed to test Him?

These and other important questions must be raised up and we must attempt to find plausible answers from the Scriptures. Let us determine to seek grace from the Lord and enlightenment from the Spirit of God as we study the Lord’s word diligently.

Prayerfully,
Charles Tan