LENT I
February 26, 2023
“Retreat in the Wilderness”
The season of Lent is often described as a journey, during which we travel through a number of spiritual experiences, with opportunities to learn and grow. By the time we arrive at Holy Week, hopefully we have found some new understandings and insights as we seek to strengthen and deepen our faith.
To learn how Jesus began his journey of ministry, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 3. There is the account of John the Baptist, whose fiery preaching proclaimed the need for repentance in readiness for the coming of God’s Chosen One. The Jewish people had practiced a variety of baptisms or washing, but John was unique in connecting baptism with repentance and a sign of commitment. Then in five short verses, we find the account of Jesus coming to John to be baptized, and the proclamation that came from the heavens, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” It seems as though this occasion created the perfect springboard for the next phase of Jesus’ ministry, in which he would call a group of disciples, and begin to travel around the countryside teaching and preaching. He had the endorsement of John, there had been witnesses to the miraculous event at his baptism, so it was time to take advantage of the momentum.
But our Lord wasn’t on a campaign trail, or getting his team to a peak of readiness for upcoming competition, so he did what was needed to be strengthened and prepared for what lay ahead. Matthew 4 tells us Jesus was “led by the Spirit” into the wilderness, a place of no distractions, and certainly no comforts, for forty days of fasting, prayer and listening to his Father’s will for him.
Considering the demands of his ministry, as he taught and preached, caring for the needs of people who came to him, this time of retreat was essential. Listening, praying, becoming secure in his heavenly Father’s faithfulness, provided a strength and assurance that he was not embarking on this journey alone, but that God was always with him.
There are variations in the account of Jesus’ wilderness experience. Matthew tells us that after this time, he was famished and the tempter came, whereas Mark and Luke describe our Lord as being tempted by Satan during his time in the wilderness.
Whether you relate to the idea of the temptation occurring after Jesus returned from his wilderness experience or during it, we can see that he was strong and fearless in the face of Satan’s efforts. Jesus drew on the greatest power — that of God’s Word, driving Satan away by saying, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
The value of a form of retreat, some quiet time, reading or listening intentionally, is priceless. It’s also not particularly easy to achieve. Everyday life can get in the way, but even a short time of quiet can refresh and encourage our spirits. God hears us, understands us, and welcomes our prayers, regardless of how articulate or eloquent we may or may not be. He is our Father, and knows what’s in our hearts, better than we do ourselves.
Thankful in the assurance of God’s listening presence,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers