The Temptations in the Desert

Directly after Jesus’ baptism by John, he’s lead by the Spirit to the desert. So what’s happening here? At his public baptism, Jesus has been launched into his mission to lead God’s people, indeed all people, back to life as intended by God at Creation. Now Jesus goes to the desert, alone and without human company, to a harsh environment of extremes. Very hot by day and very cold by night. Alone and not eating for forty days and nights. At this, the outset of his ministry, Jesus needs to focus utterly on what the Father asks and not be persuaded off course by anything or anyone.