40 DAYS OF TESTING

Sunday's Gospel Reading from Matthew is also found in Mark and Luke. The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness in Mark. In Luke and Matthew, the Spirit leads Jesus. Being driven and being led are very different descriptions. The former conjures an image of Jesus going with hesitation, even reluctance. The latter paints a picture of readiness and willingness. 

The number 40 denotes a long time in Scripture. It rained 40 days and nights during the time of Noah. Forty years separated the crossing of the Red Sea and the crossing of the Jordan River. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tested. Matthew and Luke add that he fasted. This narrative is the basis for the 40 days of Lent.

Many imagine that Jesus was alone in the wilderness during those 40 days of testing. He was not. The Synoptics say Jesus had company. Wild beasts. Angels. And Satan. God's surprises abound in the wilderness! 

My friends, let us never forget. Satan did not betray Jesus. Judas did. Satan did not deny Jesus. Peter did. Satan did not plot to arrest and kill Jesus in secret. The chief priests and scribes did. Satan did not abduct, torture, abuse, and murder Jesus. The Romans did.

Satan is not behind the War on Terror. Satan is not responsible for the economies of death and destruction that pervade our world. Nor is Satan responsible for the Genocide against the Palestinians, or for the human trafficking rings of Epstein and his fellow pedophiles. We all know who are responsible and should be held accountable for all these. 

Students of "Redeemer/Hero Myths" know that heroes and heroines undergo exhaustive and exhausting testing and trial to help prepare them for their mission. These tests usually come in threes: physical and mental trials, a descent into death (or near death), and moral testing. Luke had Yoda. Neo had Morpheus. In this rite of passage, Jesus has Satan. 

Who among us wants to spend 40 days in the wilderness being tested by Satan? Jesus went. Took the tests. And passed all three.

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*Art, "Is Jesus the Spirit Brother of Satan?" (from Christianitydotcom).