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Daily Devotions

40 Days and 40 Nights

40 Days and 40 Nights 
Day 
Day 1

BEFORE THE 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS IN THE WILDERNESS

Text: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:32-34

BEFORE THE 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS IN THE WILDERNESS

There is no question as to the importance of Jesus’ sojourn in the Wilderness. What made Him go into the wilderness? The answer lies in the event just prior to His wilderness stay.

THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In all the Gospels, the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ was mentioned. It would be good to note how each Gospel writer described how the Holy Spirit descended on Him.

1. The emblem of a dove

“He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.” Matthew 3:16

“He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.” Mark 1:10

“And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him.” Luke 3:22

“And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.'” John 1:32

2. The significance of this observation

Several things may be highlighted as we ponder the significance of what the Gospel writers noted.

a) The role of the Holy Spirit was of paramount importance.
b) The emblem of a dove was not without significance.

3. The raven and the dove

a) After the Flood, Noah first sent out a raven (Genesis 8).
i) It flew up and down.
ii) The raven did not return to Noah.
iii) The raven was classified as an “unclean” animal (Leviticus 11:15).
iv) It fed on dead carcasses.
b) Noah also sent out a dove (Genesis 8).
i) It returned to Noah because it could not find a resting place.
ii) A week later the dove was sent out again.
iii) This time it brought an olive branch.
iv) Noah then knew that the flood waters had receded.
v) The dove in contrast was a “clean animal”.

4. The dove was the emblem chosen to represent the Holy Spirit

He represented that which is pure and holy. His descent on Jesus and remaining on Him would also be a testimony of the Person that Jesus was! He was “God’s beloved Son!” The Heavenly Father was well-pleased with Him. He made this very clear and distinct! The giving of the Holy Spirit was the Divine Seal given.