Matthew 4:1–11
After his baptism,when his identity was revealed and before his ministry began, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Scripture gives us little of Jesus’ inner monologue, but it does show him preparing through fasting. When the tempter arrived, he was famished, his body urgently calling for nourishment and rest even as he was met with temptation.
Jesus was first tempted to take the quick and easy route: to turn stones into bread and let the ends justify the means. Instead, he relied on God’s provision. He was then tempted to test God’s promises by throwing himself from the highest pinnacle, misusing the power entrusted to him simply because he could. Finally, he was offered worldly power if he would align himself with the tempter, asked only to use his words, something he might later “take back.” And yet, Jesus resisted again.
Each time, Jesus’ trust in God empowered him to resist the temptation to lean on his own power or the powers offered by the world. He refused the shortcut and accepted the Spirit’s invitation to be challenged in the wilderness. His longing to be prepared for his calling was stronger than the fast, temporary relief the tempter offered. Because of this, Jesus entered ministry ready to embody another way of being in the world—to teach, heal, and liberate with the good news of God’s love. His wilderness pilgrimage prepared him for ministry, and it still invites us to follow him 2,000 years later.
There is an important moment in every journey—personal, congregational, and connectional—when we pause long enough to listen to our longings, receive Jesus’ invitation, and discern how our calling is taking shape. As people in the Wesleyan movement, we trust that God’s prevenient grace gently nudges us toward that journey: one that includes wilderness uncertainty, and also clarity and purpose as we follow the Spirit’s leading.
Many TWK congregations have used the Ministry Leadership Center Innovation Culture Index and Community Discovery Package to do this deep work—naming longings, identifying gifts, and discerning where God is calling them to share those gifts in their communities. Especially in the realities many congregations are facing after COVID and General Conference decisions, these resources have helped congregations meet themselves honestly, and meet the God who is always doing something new—and calling us to join in.
Reflection Questions:
What longing brings me to Lent this year?
Where do I feel tempted to seek life apart from God?
What longings does your church bring into Lent this year?
Closing Prayer:
Gracious God, give us courage to pause and sit honestly with our longings.
Quiet the noise around us so we can hear your invitation more clearly.
When the journey appears to lead us through wilderness and uncertainty, strengthen our trust and steady our steps.Shape our longing into faithful discernment, and our discernment into courageous next steps.. In Jesus’ name, Amen.