What Love did (and still does)

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.  — Mark 1:12-13

It wasn’t Jesus’ idea, according to scripture. This may (or may not) have been His plan, but the just baptized preacher teacher on a mission to save the world from sin did not say, “I’ll start my public ministry by first being with Satan out among wild animals.”

It was the Holy Spirit compelling the Son of God to go out into this place of hardship.

And this was out. The location was remote. Jesus didn’t stay in any of the towns He would travel through with His ministry so that He could sometimes gather with other people for company.

This was private. This was likely painful, too. Otherwise, angels wouldn’t have attended to Him.

Since Jesus didn’t initiate this plan, did he want to go? Did He feel He had to go?

These questions remain unanswered for now. Why He went, however, is something we can answer this Lent. He went out with Satan because of the love He holds for us. He went with Satan because of the love He has for us.

The sinless Lamb of God didn’t need to be baptized. He didn’t need this time with Satan, either. He was tempted and likely tormented among the wild animals in a barren place because He shows us what His love does. His love isn’t neat and nicely boxed. This love doesn’t come to a point and stop. This love—His love—goes to hell on earth for us so that we never have to experience this place ourselves.

PRAYER: Thank you, Father God, for the angels who attended to Jesus. Thank you, too, Father God, for the love Your Son has for us, especially when we are in challenging spaces. Amen.