SANCTUARY | Jesus in the Wilderness: Identity, Belovedness, Purpose

Jesus begins his ministry by being led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights.  He enters a harsh environment, depriving himself of food but filling himself with God so that he can prepare himself for ministry.  Because he has just been baptized and heard the voice of the Lord declare “This is my Son, whom I love,” is identity is secure.  Ignatius of Loyola spoke of having a “holy indifference” – letting go of what doesn’t help you love God or others and staying committed to things that help you love God.  Jesus models this for us.  His wilderness time prepared him to face down the temptation of the devil.  It should be no surprise that the Enemy’s first tactic is to question Jesus’ identity:  “If you are the Son of God, then…”  Our identity is in Christ.  Getting this right helps us to fulfill our purpose. Matthew 4:1-2