Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the period of Lent is 40 days. Why 40 days? Although there are many references to the number 40 in the Bible, the connection to Lent seems to be that Jesus went into the wilderness, the desert, where he fasted and was tempted by the devil for 40 days.
Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist directly preceded His 40 days of temptation. Three of the Gospels report it. I especially like the passage from Luke. There is so much to contemplate, but today, I’m focusing on two phrases in just the first sentence!
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. (Mark 4:1,2a)
full of the Holy Spirit,
led by the Spirit . . .
How could I possibly approach any trial or temptation without the filling and leading of the Holy Spirit? I couldn’t.
Will write more later . . .