I developed a different take not too long ago on Matthew 4:1-11, in which Jesus goes into the wilderness and is confronted by the devil.

In the Old Testament, God keeps His people in the wilderness, and out of the Promised Land, because of their sin (Numbers 13-14; for God’s judgment on their actions, specifically 14:20-38). But in his own wilderness experience, Jesus didn’t falter. Despite every temptation from the devil to use his power, whether for political gain or to ease his hunger, Jesus remains faithful.

And that’s what both strikes and encourages me: Jesus remained faithful in every way. He has overcome every evil that appears too powerful for me (sometimes I feel like David against Goliath, only I’ve forgotten my sling and stones). And God has promised that, someday, those struggles will be over (Romans 8:28-29 comes to mind).

Jesus is everything I’m not, but he is everything I hope to be.