How Did Jesus Survive In The Desert

Verse by Verse Ministry International

We were reading at Matthew 4:1-11, which is about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, with my bible study group. What we wanted to know was if it was a literal 40 days, or if those 40 days might be interpreted as a metaphor for Jesus’ whole stay on this planet. Perhaps the desert represents this world because it is as barren and devoid of spiritual nutrition as a true desert is devoid of food and water, and so it could serve as a metaphor for it. Assuming Jesus was a fully developed human being, he would have perished after 40 actual days without food or drink, wouldn’t he?

One of the most important laws of good interpretation is the Golden Rule, which asserts that when the plain meaning of scripture makes common sense, there is no need to look for any other meaning.

With regard to Matthew 4, which contains the narrative of Jesus’ 40-day fast, there is no reason for seeking a secondary or alternative meaning for the terms “Jesus fasted” and “Jesus fasted for 40 days.” The correct interpretation is that Jesus did, in fact, fast for a period of 40 days in succession.

Matt. 4:1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.Matt. 4:2And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.

Take note that the text states that Jesus fasted. No specifics are given as to the sort of fast He underwent. Furthermore, it is stated that towards the conclusion of the fasting period, Jesus became hungry himself (but not thirsty). Finally, when we examine Luke’s Gospel account of the identical event, we discover the following:

Luke 4:1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wildernessLuke 4:2for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.

During the 40 days, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus “did not eat anything.” Based on these meticulous observations, we may conclude that Jesus fasted just from eating, rather than from food and water. Throughout the 40-day period, he appeared to have been drinking water. This is characteristic of the Jewish fasting practices that were prevalent at the time. Jews will fast either from eating alone or from food and drink for a specified period of time. Unlike food fasts, which may last up to forty days, food and drink fasts can only last for seven days or less.

In truth, 40-day food fasts are still performed today by both Jews and Christians, despite the passage of time.

The First Sunday of Lent: Jesus is tempted in the desert // Faith at Marquette // Marquette University

As one Bible scholar pointed out, if Jesus had not revealed this event to some of his disciples, it would not have been included in the stories of his life and work. He is depicted as being susceptible to the deceptions of Satan. In the aftermath of his baptism, why would Jesus go into the desert for a forty-day retreat? For the same reason, individuals go on retreat: to reflect on who they are, where they are heading, and how they will get there in the best possible way.

The blurring of one’s perspective on life occurs as a result of all the noise and bustle of everyday existence. At his baptism, Jesus required time to process the revelation of his identity revealed to him by the words of his Father: “You are my beloved Son, and my favor is upon you.”

Matthew 4:1-11

At that point, Jesus was brought into the desert by the Holy Spirit, where he was tempted by the devil. He had fasted for forty days and forty nights and had become hungry as a result. “If you are the Son of God, order that these stones be transformed into loaves of bread,” the tempter said as he approached him and added. “It is written: ‘One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,'” he remarked in response. He was then taken to the sacred city, where the devil forced him to stand on the parapet of the temple and demanded that he throw himself down since he was the Son of God.

“Again, it is stated, you shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test,” Jesus said.

It is written: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and you shall serve him alone,” says the Bible.

Reflection from the Preface of the Mass:

Because of his forty-day fast, this is considered a holy season of self-denial. Choosing to reject Satan’s temptations has taught us to cleanse ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil, and in doing so to eat his paschal feast with purity of heart until we reach the fulfillment of the meal’s completion in the promised land of heaven.

Suggestions for Reflection

  1. Jesus was tested in the same way that we are. Temptations are not inherently harmful
  2. Rather, it is how we respond to them that determines whether we turn to God or away from God. Were we tempted by temptations as a means of turning to God rather than relying on our own resources? Is there a difference between the ways Jesus was tempted and the ways we are tempted, or is there a similarity? Satan is inviting Jesus to deny his status as the Son of God, which is hidden under the surface of the various temptations he faces. Temptations, aren’t they, an encouragement to abandon the sort of person we want to be and instead turn to harmful means of satisfying ourselves? By refusing to give in to the temptations, Jesus opted to rely on his Father to fulfill his deepest hunger, to relate to people in a normal way, and to not place his trust in his reputation, power, or wealth to provide for him. How can we sate our most insatiable cravings? Do we rely on our position of prominence and power to make ourselves acceptable to others
  3. And Are we going to utilize the forty days of Lent as a time of retreat, setting aside time for extra introspection and prayer

How did Jesus survive in the desert for 40 days? – HolidayMountainMusic

Keep in mind that after being baptized, Jesus immediately walked into the desert to pray. He fasted for 40 days, which demonstrated his godhood because humans are unable to endure day and night for 40 days without food or drink without succumbing to their injuries or death. During his 40-day fast, he prayed and communed with God as well as with angels and other deities.

Why did Jesus fast in the desert for 40 days?

God desired to wipe Israel off the face of the earth and transform Moses into an even more powerful nation (Deuteronomy 9:14), but Moses, being a good mediator, fasted for additional 40 days to atone for the sins of his people (Deuteronomy 9:18). Following that, God granted Israel permission to carry on to the promised land (Deuteronomy 10:10-11).

What would the weather have been like when Jesus was crucified?

Originally Answered: What was the weather like at Jesus’ crucifixion? On that particular day, the morning was a little chilly for the time of year, but the sun shone brightly. Afternoon clouds began to develop, and the wind began to shift from north to south-west. The crucifixion took place in the afternoon.

Is fasting a command in the Bible?

Fast days were observed in the Bible. God commanded His people to fast on the Day of Atonement, which occurred once a year.

The observance of the Day of Atonement is mandated by Leviticus 16:29 and 31, and God instructed Israel that “you are to afflict your hearts,” which is an idiomatic expression that refers to the practice of fasting.

Did it rain when Jesus was crucified?

In reality, it was not until the 17th century that the first proper meteorological records were recorded in any form. Because the supposed crucifixion took place in modern-day Israel, where there are only around 40 days of rain per year on average, this seems unlikely to have happened in the first place.

What happened to Jesus during the 40 days?

After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was tempted by the devil in the Judaean Desert after fasting for 40 days and nights in preparation for his ministry. After Jesus rejected each temptation, Satan withdrew from the scene, and Jesus went to Galilee to begin his public ministry. Jesus fasted throughout the whole of this period of spiritual conflict.

What did Jesus do after 40 days in the desert?

When Jesus returned from 40 days in the wilderness, what did he do? Matthew 4:11 – 11 – At that point, Jesus was brought into the desert by the Holy Spirit, where he was tempted by the devil. He had fasted for forty days and forty nights and had become hungry as a result. “If you are the Son of God, order that these stones be transformed into loaves of bread,” the tempter said as he approached him and added.

Why was Jesus led into the desert by the Devil?

According to Luke 4:12–2, “Jesus, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit, came back from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit for forty days in the desert, being tempted by the devil.” After those days were up, He grew hungry because he hadn’t eaten anything throughout that time.”

When did Jesus go into the desert after his baptism?

Afterward, “Jesus, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit since his departure from Jordan, was led by the Spirit into the desert.” It is important to note that Luke does not tell us when Jesus walked into the desert, whether it was immediately following His baptism or at a later time. In principle, this may result in a period of time between baptism and entry into the desert.

When did Jesus go into the desert according to Luke?

It is important to note that Luke does not tell us when Jesus walked into the desert, whether it was immediately following His baptism or at a later time. In principle, this may result in a period of time between baptism and entry into the desert. The implication appears to be that Jesus traveled into the desert fairly shortly after His baptism, according to the text. So, what does John have to say about all of this?

Why did Jesus go to the desert for 40 days?

Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites crossed through water, and Jesus goes through water at his baptism (Matthew 3). Following that, Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasted for 40 days, just as Israel had been led by God into the wilderness and stayed there for 40 years before him. According to Luke 4:12–2, “Jesus, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit, came back from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit for forty days in the desert, being tempted by the devil.” After those days were up, He grew hungry because he hadn’t eaten anything throughout that time.” Afterward, “Jesus, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit since his departure from Jordan, was led by the Spirit into the desert.” It is important to note that Luke does not tell us when Jesus walked into the desert, whether it was immediately following His baptism or at a later time.

In principle, this may result in a period of time between baptism and entry into the desert.

What was Jesus first temptation in the desert?

Jesus’ first and most important test. In a same vein, when the devil attempted to convince Jesus to use His powers, He was confronted with hunger. The Father sent the Holy Spirit to accompany Jesus into the desert for 40 days of prayer and fasting.

How Long Did Jesus’ Fast in the Wilderness Last?

During his earthly ministry, Jesus fasted just once, according to the Bible, and that was on the day of Pentecost. According to the Gospel of Luke, shortly following his baptism, Jesus was taken by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasted for forty days (Luke 4:2). “Forty days and forty nights,” according to the Gospel of Matthew, was the length of the fast (Matthew 4:2). When Jesus fasted, what exactly did he mean, and why did he choose to do so? In addition, what can we learn about spiritual disciplines and their function in our lives from Jesus’ fasting for 40 days and 40 nights?

When and How Long Did Jesus Fast?

Just after Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan river, we are informed that heaven opens and the Spirit of God descends upon him, and the voice of God can be heard proclaiming, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” This is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 3:16-17). Afterwards, Jesus promptly departs for the desert, where he will be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” when he was tested for forty days by the devil.

Many believe that the temptation helped Jesus prepare for his ministry.

See also:  Jesus Started His Ministry At What Age?

Where Did Jesus Fast?

It is believed by scholars that Jesus fasted in the Judean wilderness, which is located close to the Jordan River. Temptation Mountain is an isolated and secluded location that overlooks the city but is steep and difficult to climb, according to legend, where the devil took him at one time. It is said to be the location where the devil kidnapped him at one point.

What Happens in This Story?

When Jesus fasts in each of the gospel stories, it signifies that he has chosen to limit or eliminate his food consumption. According to Luke’s story, “he didn’t eat anything for those days, and towards the end of them he was starving” (Luke 4:2). Jesus is tested at this period, as the devil tempts him in an attempt to take advantage of Jesus’s vulnerable position. To gain the grandeur of all the kingdoms of the earth, the devil tells Jesus to transform a stone into bread, to hurl himself from a cliff (to illustrate how the angels would save him), and to worship him (the devil).

The reality that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” is how Jesus responds to the devil’s challenge to change the stone into bread (Matt.

To the challenge of jumping from the cliff, Jesus responds with the words, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matt.

And in response to the temptation to prostrate oneself and worship the devil, Jesus says, “Away from me, Satan!

Because it says in the Bible, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.” (Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:10). After that, the devil went; Jesus had passed the test and had refused to give in to temptation. Image courtesy of Unsplash/Kyle Cottrell.

Why Did Jesus Fast?

Jesus most likely fasted in order to prepare himself for service by becoming more intimate with God. One of the reasons people fast is to put their bodies into a condition of weakness, which allows them to concentrate on the essentials of life and hear God’s message more clearly without the distractions of so-called creature comforts, which may both soothe and divert us from our spiritual quest. Jesus was well aware that he had a difficult task ahead of him and that he needed to clear his brain before beginning to perform miracles.

He also saw that he needed to comprehend the far inferior intellect of humans, a sinful and occasionally rebellious people that sorely needed their savior, Messiah, the Christ, to be understood.

Did Jesus Drink Water or Eat Anything WhileFasting?

Fasting entails drastically decreasing one’s caloric intake, and in certain cases, completely eliminating it. We aren’t given any information on what is happening. Some academics believe Jesus ate nothing at all, which is consistent with the passage in Luke 4:2. Others believe he scavenged the bleak countryside for pieces of food that he had consumed very little of—virtually nothing. Because the fast simply mentions that he “ate nothing,” rather than that he “drank nothing,” the majority of scholars conclude that water was most likely consumed during this period.

How Did Jesus Fast for Forty Days?

Water and food are only needed for a few days, and individuals can do without water for a few weeks at the most, according to scientists. Forty days is a much longer period of time. According to the standard male lifespan, Jesus would not have survived forty days if he had only taken water and not eaten anything. He was not, however, a regular man; he was the Son of God who was empowered by the Holy Spirit and bestowed with miraculous powers, which enabled him to fast for as long was required.

Even if he had consumed some food throughout the fast, he would have been in a physically and psychologically debilitated position as a result of it.

It’s likely that he prayed and meditated in the presence of the Lord throughout this period.

What Is the Point of Fasting?

Some people fast in order to lose weight, however the majority of people fast for spiritual reasons instead. The majority of the time, individuals engage in a spiritual fast as a means of depriving themselves of physical pleasures, or even basic nutrition, in order to achieve a higher level of consciousness and knowledge of the Lord. Jesus would have fasted in order to come closer to God and to concentrate on his spiritual self, putting aside as many of his physical demands and desires as he could.

When we fast, we do it in order to deny ourselves and achieve more spiritual understanding. It is through fasting that we are able to lower our own strength and be strengthened by relying on the Lord. We also fast in order to show our support for those who are suffering.

How Can We Do a Fast Today?

If you are interested in attempting a spiritual fast, keep in mind that you are not Jesus, and that going into the wilderness alone for forty days is not a suggested choice for you. There are, however, several safe methods of fasting that you can use. In the Bible, fasting is mentioned dozens of times as a method of prayer, of grieving, or of drawing closer to God. First and foremost, contact with a medical professional before fasting to ensure that you do it in a healthy manner. Following that, experts recommend that you begin with short durations of time at a time and work your way up to larger periods.

  • It is more important to realize that the goal is to reach a state of bodily denial in order to better focus on your spiritual heart.
  • Allow yourself to be honest and vulnerable with your Creator throughout this period of time.
  • What we don’t know is whether Jesus fasted only once or whether this was a regular occurrence for him.
  • In contrast, when Jesus emerged triumphant from the desert and into the presence of his heavenly Father, he was ready and eager to accomplish anything God asked of him—including dying on the Cross for the sins of all mankind.
  • We can also learn about the necessity of spending time alone with God and about what we can learn when we walk away from bodily comfort and embrace difficulties for a period of time.
  • What Is the Purpose of Fasting, Exactly?
  • Her novel, The Memory Garden, was nominated for the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award, which she received for her work as a Christian novelist.
  • Jessica Brodie’s fiction may be found at jessicabrodie.com, as well as her religious blog.
  • You may also find her on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and others.

Volume 12

A common motif of disagreement, loss of control, and alienation from society may be seen throughout the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. The wasteland locations of the book were barren and terrible, and they guaranteed definite death if one did not have access to supplies. They learned this lesson many times over as God led His people into the desert, where they discovered that they would have to rely on Him to provide for all of their needs. What are the terrible times in your life, the times of loss and grief that may seem impossible to endure?

What are the difficult times in your life that might seem impossible to endure? Discover God amid the deserts of Sinai, Paran, Zin, the Negev, and the Judean wilderness on your journey through Sinai, Paran, Zin, and the Negev.

Purchase Discovery Guide

This is a fantastic time for eating and celebrating. Feasts were held in the Bible to commemorate the ways in which God assisted his people. MORE

Wadis Definition

Canyons in the mountains that only receive water when it rains; arid riverbeds that occasionally see flash floods. (Hebrew: nahal) This route into and across the Judean Mountains, which lay between Jericho and Jerusalem, was historically significant. MORE

Ark of the Covenant Definition

The Hebrew term literally translates as “box” or “chest.” It included the tablets of the Ten Commandments, as well as other items. The ark of the covenant served as a visual reminder to the people of Israel that God was with them, while the cover represented God’s throne in the heavens above. MORE

How did Jesus survive without food and water for 40 days?

The Gospels mention a period of solitary for Jesus in the desert following his baptism by John, which occurred soon after his baptism. Jesus is dragged into the desert by the Holy Spirit and dwells there for forty days without eating. He lives among wild animals and is attended to by angels who minister to him.

How long did Jesus survive without water?

Although Mark informs us that Jesus was tempted by Satan, it is in Matthew and Luke that the specifics of the temptation are laid out in greater detail. In all three of the narratives, Jesus is said to have gone without food for 40 days. Christians, like devotees of many other religions, have practiced fasting for centuries.

What did Jesus do during the 40 days in the wilderness?

At that point, Jesus was brought into the desert by the Holy Spirit, where he was tempted by the devil. He had fasted for forty days and forty nights and had become hungry as a result. … It is written: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and you shall serve him alone,” says the Bible. The devil then left him, and behold, angels appeared and began to tend to him.

What did Jesus do 40 days before Easter?

Lent is the 40-day season preceding Easter in the Christian calendar, and it is marked by fasting and prayer. Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, is a period of meditation and preparation before the festivities of Easter. Through the 40 days of Lent, Christians are able to commemorate Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and 40-day fast in the desert.

What happened to Jesus 40 days after his resurrection?

The Ascension is the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day following his Resurrection, according to Christian tradition (Easter being reckoned as the first day). The Feast of the Ascension, together with the other Christian feasts of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, is the most widely observed holiday in the world.

How long can you live without water?

As a general rule of thumb, a human can survive for around 3 days without water. However, several factors, such as how much water a person’s body requires and how he or she utilizes that water, can have an impact on this.

What is fasting in the Bible?

In the Bible, the practice of fasting is taught as a spiritual discipline. According to the Bible, fasting is defined as purposefully reducing or eliminating one’s food intake for a set period of time with a specific goal.

Why is 40 in the Bible?

Christianity. In the same way, forty is used in Christianity to indicate crucial time periods.

Jesus fasted in the Judean wilderness for “forty days and forty nights” before being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2). From the resurrection of Jesus to the ascension of Jesus, there was a forty-day interval between the two events (Acts 1:3).

Who led Jesus in the wilderness?

This passage, found in the fourth chapter of Matthew’s gospel in the New Testament, is the opening verse of that chapter. This passage serves as the introduction to the book of Matthew that deals with Christ’s temptation by Satan. Following his baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus is brought into the desert, where he will spend the rest of his life.

Why did the devil tempt Jesus in the wilderness?

When the Devil urged Jesus to convert stones into bread, he said, “Human beings cannot survive on bread alone; they require every word God says.” The second temptation presented itself when Jesus was tempted to fling himself from the highest pinnacle of the temple and command angels to capture him.

How long was Jesus resurrected?

As a Christian, you believe in the resurrection because you believe Jesus rose from the dead three days after he was killed on the cross. Several passages in the Gospel of Luke (24:1–9) provide insight into how Jesus’ followers learned that he had been resurrected: On the Sunday following Jesus’ death, the female disciples of Jesus went to his tomb to pay their respects.

Why did Jesus stay on earth for 40 days?

Offer expires on June 20th! Q: Why did Jesus choose to remain on Earth for 40 days rather than ascending to heaven after his death? There are several instances of the number 40 appearing in the Bible. His outward looks supported the key argument that he had defeated death and offered the promise of everlasting life in exchange for his victory.

What are the 40 days before Easter called?

Lent is a season of penitential preparation for Easter that is observed in the Christian church. Ascension Day is observed in Western churches on Ash Wednesday, approximately six and a half weeks before Easter, and it is marked with a 40-day fast (excluding Sundays), which is meant to commemorate Jesus Christ’s fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry.

Where did Jesus go after death?

It is recorded in the Book of Acts that Jesus appeared to the apostles for forty days and told them to remain in Jerusalem, after which Jesus ascended into heaven, followed by Pentecost and the beginning of the early church’s missionary endeavor.

See also:  How Many Healings Did Jesus Do

What did Jesus do after 40 days in the desert?

Jesus is dragged into the desert by the Holy Spirit and dwells there for forty days without eating. He lives among wild animals and is attended to by angels who minister to him. At the conclusion of this period, Satan tempts him three times, attempting to persuade him to violate his filial relationship with God.

How many people did Jesus appear to after his resurrection?

Cleopas and an unidentified disciple on the walk to Emmaus, Peter (as recounted by the other apostles), and the eleven surviving disciples at a meeting with others are all shown in Luke. The Ascension of Jesus, which took place on a hilltop outside of Jerusalem in front of the gathering disciples, is the culmination of the appearances.

With Jesus in the Wilderness for 40 Days – Sword of the Spirit

— written by Don Schwager A site of trial and error, encounter, and rebirth What drove Jesus to spend 40 days and nights in the Judean desert in isolation, prayer, and fasting is still a mystery today. This desert area was essentially inhospitable, and anybody who ventured into it for an extended period of time would be in grave peril. The dangers of blistering heat during the day and extreme cold during the night, as well as the dangers of wild animals and scorpions, as well as the paucity of food and water The desert served as a location of trial, encounter, and rejuvenation for God’s chosen people Israel, as well as for many of its leaders.

  • As a time of cleansing and preparation for entry into the promised land, this was regarded as a holy period.
  • After being supplied with bread from heaven, Elijah went through the desert for 40 days without sustenance to reach the mountain of God, where he was eventually killed (1 Kings 19:8).
  • When Jesus went into the desert to pray and fast for a lengthy period of time, why did he chose such a desolate, lonely location?
  • It is stated most forcefully by Mark: “Immediately, the Spirit drove him out into the desert” (Mark 1:12).
  • Was it merely to put himself through his paces and prepare him for his mission?
  • In English, the word tempt typically refers to enticing someone to do something that is improper or forbidden.
  • We put airline pilots through rigorous testing to ensure that they are capable of flying in any weather circumstances, including bad turbulence and low visibility.

God tested Abraham on several times in order to demonstrate his faith and to deepen his confidence in God’s promises.

When the Israelites were put through a harrowing ordeal in Egypt for more than 400 years, they did not lose sight of God.

Jesus was tested in the same way that we are.

He traveled to the desert with no food in his stomach.

Their disobedience resulted in them eating the forbidden fruit because they placed their faith in themselves rather than in God.

For people who have lost their way, Jesus gladly traverses the desert in order to reclaim Paradise on their behalf.

Jesus responds with Scripture when Satan attempts to persuade him to change stones into food.

With regard to this text, Jerome, the renowned bible scholar who lived near the Judean desert (347-420 AD) has the following to say: The Lord answered in this manner because it was his intention to defeat the demon by humility rather than through strength.

In what source did Jesus draw the strength he needed to endure the hard circumstances of the desert and the temptation of the tempter?

Satan will undoubtedly entice us, and he will do all in his power to persuade us to choose our own desires over God’s.

Jesus was tempted in the same way that we are, and he defeated sin not through his own human effort, but through the grace and power that his Father bestowed upon him.

In order to satisfy his Father, he set off on his journey with the hope and confidence that his Father would provide him with the strength he needed to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he did not attempt to combat his enemy solely on the basis of his human might.

Jesus came to defeat the wicked one who had held us captive to sin and the fear of death for thousands of years (Hebrews 2:14).

Because of his triumph over sin and death, we have received not only forgiveness for our sins, but also adoption as God’s sons and daughters.

We all have sin and moral weakness in our life, but how can we get over them?

Those who are humble and admit their reliance on the Lord (James 4:6) are blessed by the Lord.

(1 Peter 5:8-10; Ephesians 6:10-18).

Our God desires for us to “fight the good battle of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) with the power and strength that comes from inside us through the Holy Spirit.

For me, your word is full of life and joy.” I pray that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may have the strength and courage to follow your will in all things and to abandon everything that is in opposition to it.” Besides being a member of TheServants of the Word, Don Schwager is also the author of the Daily Scripture Reading and Meditationwebsite.

This story was taken from the February 2020 issue of Living Bulwark. With permission, this image has been used. «We have a new, “refreshed” image. «The Alleluia of Easter»

Extreme fasting: How trying to do what Jesus did could literally kill you

Alfred Ndlovu died after seeking to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by fasting in the desert. Alfred Ndlovu, a South African preacher, has starved to death as a result of malnutrition. It’s a heartbreaking narrative, but it’s not quite what it appears to be. The reason for this is that Ndlovu died, 44, not because he was unable to obtain adequate food but because he thought in his heart that he was following in the footsteps of Jesus. Ndlovu chose to fast for 40 days in the same way that Jesus did — but this time without drinking any water.

  1. This is not the first time someone has attempted anything like this.
  2. Others have attempted to fast for lengthy periods of time, but have failed, suffering either permanent health consequences or death as a result.
  3. Many Christians observe a fast.
  4. The conscious denial of our physiological cravings also serves as a statement about our willingness to deny ourselves in other aspects of life as well, such as immoral desires, laziness, and self-indulgence, to name a few.
  5. Fasting is especially mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
  6. Human people are capable of entirely abstaining from eating for a period of 40 days, and others believe they can go much longer.
  7. Body’s metabolism slows, and organs begin to shut down as they are strained to maintain the heart and brain operating at peak performance levels.

Someone who had gone through that experience, on the other hand, would have been close to death at the end of it and would have needed weeks to recover.

Consequently, some academics argue that the tale of Jesus’ fast in the desert has to be re-written in a new way.

Even though he may have refrained from eating, some types of fast under the Judaism of that time allowed only abstention from specific types of food, therefore it was not a complete fast.

Furthermore, the span of 40 days is associated with a number of significant events in the Bible.

Others believe it is a symbolic representation of a vast period of time rather than a numerical value that should be taken literally by the reader.

Although Jesus went out to spend time with God, the story’s thesis is that he did so in order to be away from the distractions of everyday life.

His time in the bush helped him prepare for his future as a public servant.

Fasting, on the other hand, can also be a source of spiritual vanity or vainglory.

The worst-case scenario is that it is the equivalent of setting a new personal best in an athletic event. But, ultimately, what matters is God and whether or not it aids us in our walk with him. Mark Woods may be followed on Twitter at @RevMarkWoods.

Did Jesus drink water when He was fasting for 40 days?

Do you think Jesus drank water during His 40-day fasting period?

Bible Answer:

The events surrounding Christ’s temptation in the wilderness were documented by the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to the three gospels, Jesus fasted for 40 days before succumbing to the temptation of Satan shortly after. Each gospel has certain details that are similar to all of them as well as those that are unique to each.

Individual Gospel Accounts

Therefore, some have asserted that the three gospels are at odds, yet a smart trial lawyer would anticipate that this is the case. Everyone reported various information since everyone had a different point of view when he wrote what he did. The prosecution would accuse three witnesses with collusion if they all reported exactly the same thing in a criminal trial. In reality, when all of the witnesses provide the exact same information, the majority of trial lawyers are dubious of the situation.

The benefit of reading all three gospels is that we obtain a more complete picture, with Luke providing us with the exact chronological order of events (Luke 1:3).

Did Christ Drink Water?

There is no mention of Jesus drinking water or sleeping in any of the gospels, although they do mention that he fasted or went without food on several occasions. Despite the fact that there are no references to Christ drinking water, it indicates that Jesus did drink water at some point. Medical professionals believe that the average man or woman cannot survive without water for more than 10 days; yet, some people have managed to survive for up to 21 days without water. We can survive for far longer periods of time without nourishment.

Conclusion:

What is so great about Jesus’ temptation by Satan is that He was put to the test and did not fall prey to temptation and sin. Because we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but rather One who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet has come out unscathed. (NASB) Hebrews 4:15 is a verse that states that Jesus is without sin!

Suggested Links:

Jesus was tempted by Satan. Where can I discover the next time the devil put Jesus through his paces in the Bible? Is it possible that Jesus committed a sin?

What happened to Jesus in the desert?

When he was baptized, Jesus immediately proceeded into the desert for 40 days, during which time the devil tried to convince him to reject God. When he returned, he was a completely different person. With the appearance of highly intelligent things (some of which are still referenced 2000 years later), he soon had a continual audience of hundreds to thousands of people surrounding him within a few of weeks. What can happen in 40 days to convert a guy from an illiterate carpenter into the most influential philosopher the world has ever known?

  1. I am a devout atheist who believes in no gods.
  2. Jesus was baptized by John the baptist when he was simply a typical carpenter with no aspirations to be the son of God at the time of his baptism.
  3. He went to the desert, and when he returned, he was a completely different person.
  4. People were clearly under the impression that this individual was capable of doing miracles for twos.
  5. Men with high intellectual standards, to put it another way.
  6. Was it possible that he had the potential previous to this, but did not truly employ that potential?

Is there a way for regular folks like you and me to tap into the same desert power that they have access to? Is there any more well-known examples of such dramatic transitions from being a nobody to being someone important?

How Long Did Jesus Live on Earth? And What Did He Do?

The Bible, of course, is the primary source for information on Jesus Christ’s earthly existence. However, because of the narrative structure of the Bible, as well as the multiple accounts of Jesus’ life that can be found in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Acts of the Apostles, and some of the epistles, it can be difficult to piece together a timeline of Jesus’ life. Fortunately, there is a timeline of Jesus’ life available online. What were the most significant events in Jesus’ time on earth, and how long did He spend on the planet?

What Does the Baltimore Catechism Say?

Answer to Question 76 of the Baltimore Catechism, which is contained in Lessons Sixth and Seventh of the First Communion Edition and Lesson Sixth and Seventh of the Confirmation Edition, is framed in the following way: The question is, how long did Christ spend on the earth? Answer:Christ lived on earth for around thirty-three years, during which time he led a highly holy life amidst poverty and persecution.

See also:  How Many Days Did It Take For Jesus To Rise

The Key Events of Jesus’ Life on Earth

Many of the most important events in Jesus’ earthly life are honored on a yearly basis in the Church’s liturgical calendar. With respect to those events, the events are listed in the following list in the order in which we come to them in the calendar, rather than necessarily in the order in which they occurred in Christ’s life. The comments that appear next to each occurrence help to understand the sequence of events. While Jesus’ life on earth started with His birth, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s fiat (her reaction to the Angel Gabriel’s declaration that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God) is considered to mark the beginning of His life on earth as well.

  1. John the Baptist’s sanctification takes place while Jesus is still in His mother’s womb, when Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth (John’s mother) to care for her during the last days of her pregnancy.
  2. On the eighth day after His birth, Jesus bows to the Mosaic Law and sacrifices His blood for our benefit, which is known as the circumcision of Jesus.
  3. It is 40 days after Jesus’ birth that He is presented in the temple as the firstborn Son of Mary, and as such is considered to be the Lord’s property.
  4. When King Herod, unknowingly informed to the birth of the Messiah by the Three Wise Men, orders the killing of all male infants under the age of three, Saint Joseph flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, where they would be safe for the rest of their lives there.

This is known as the “Hidden Years.” While living with Joseph (until his death) and Mary in Nazareth from the age of three to the age of thirty (the beginning of His public ministry), Jesus leads an ordinary life of piety, obedience to Mary, and physical labor, working as a carpenter by Joseph’s side during this time.

  • At the age of 12, Jesus travels to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph, as well as many of their relatives, to celebrate the Jewish feast days.
  • As they make their way back to Jerusalem, they come across Him in the temple, where he is instructing men who are much older than He about the meaning of Scripture.
  • In the guise of a dove, the Holy Spirit descends onto the scene, and a voice from Heaven proclaims, “This is my beloved Son.” A temptation in the desert follows Jesus’ baptism, during which he fasts and prays while also being tested by Satan.
  • The Wedding at Cana: At the request of His mother, Jesus performs the first of his public miracles by turning water into wine at the wedding.
  • The majority of the Gospels are devoted to this period of Christ’s life.
  • These manifestations of Christ’s authority serve to reaffirm His teachings as well as His claim to be God’s Son.
  • A preview of the Resurrection, Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John in a foretaste of the Resurrection, and he is seen in the presence of Moses and Elijah, who symbolize the Law and the Prophets.
  • ” The Road to Jerusalem: As Jesus travels the road to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified and killed, the prophetic nature of His mission to the People of Israel becomes obvious.
  • The Passion and Death: The masses’ delight at Jesus’ presence is short-lived, however, as they turn against Him during the celebration of the Passover and demand that He be crucified.
  • He will be in the tomb on Holy Saturday.

The Post-Resurrection Appearances of Jesus Christ: The Lord Jesus comes to His disciples and the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the course of 40 days following His Resurrection, clarifying those elements of the Gospel concerning His sacrifice that they had previously been unable to comprehend.

The Ascension: On the 40th day after His Resurrection, Jesus ascends to the right hand of God the Father, where He will assume His position as the Son of Man.

Following Christ from the Desert to the Crucifixion

Commencement with the beginning of Great Lent This year, I’ve been thinking about the Great Lenten experience in terms of a voyage. In my previous post, I referred to Israel’s exodus from Egypt into the desert as a paradigm for our own journey through Great Lent. Moreover, today’s Gospel reading reminds us that the journey of Great Lent brings us to other places as well, including Jerusalem, though not the heavenly Jerusalem, but the city in which Christ will be crucified and buried. As recorded in Mark 10:32-33, “Now they were on the road, heading up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were astounded.” And as they followed, they were filled with dread.

There is little doubt that they are walking with Jesus, who is escorting them to Jerusalem, where he informs them that He will be slain.

We already know that Jesus would get a rousing welcome in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and no doubt this gave the Disciples a little glimmer of optimism that perhaps things might not be as horrible as they had feared.

As the Lord was on his way to his VOLUNTARY PASSION, he spoke to the apologists who were accompanying him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be delivered up, as it is written of Him.” (Matthew 25:31-46) Let us then join him in his journey and be purified in our thoughts.

  • After that, we will live with him and hear him say: I am not going to earthly Jerusalem to suffer any longer, but I am going to MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER, and I am going to my God and your God.
  • When we realize that we are not traveling to Jerusalem to witness Christ die for us, but rather to die with Christ, we can feel a mixture of awe and apprehension, much as the Twelve Disciples.
  • Paul, we’re going to have the world crucified to us, and ourselves crucified to the world as we go (Galatians 6:14).
  • We Christians do not come to Holy Week to be spectators, watching the events of the Passion Play unfold as if it were a well-staged theater; rather, we come to die alongside Christ.
  • According to St.
  • When it comes to virtuous men, one is unlikely to die for them—though it is possible to die for a decent guy in some cases.
  • Indeed, He died for us, the sinners, but not so that we might see a passion play every year, but so that we, too, would die to sin, die to the world, and die to ourselves, so that we may live with Him in His kingdom of righteousness.

During our time in the desert, we are able to purge our minds of all cultural and nationalistic ideas about God–the One who has unlimited power and sends forth His invincible armies, or the One who destroys His enemies in the eternal fires of hell, or the One who provides unending abundance to His people–and replace them with God’s true nature.

  1. His death on the cross is not only similar to that of an ordinary criminal, but He also asks us to participate in His suffering!
  2. We are not confined to the desert during our Lenten sojourn, but rather the desert serves as a route to Jerusalem, where Christ is crucified.
  3. Those who oppose going to Jerusalem, where God has been crucified, are in agreement with us.
  4. We’d rather not think about it at all.
  5. Joy has entered the entire world as a result of the Cross.
  6. This means that each of us must practice self-denial and put others before ourselves.
  7. The United States, for example, does provide us with a representation of God, and it is often one of wealth and strength, as in “God bless America,” but the Gospel asks us to perceive God as he is revealed in the Scriptures.

A critical ability is the ability to see that the images of God that are molded by society are frequently skewed and serve a purpose that is exclusive to that culture.

Many of the men and women who were fleeing the conveniences and luxuries of Roman Empire also headed into the desert, following in the footsteps of ancient Israel, in order to discover a God who was neither perverted by the state nor subjected to the state’s will.

These were guys who thought that allowing oneself to float along, passively embracing the ideas and norms of what they saw to be society, was a recipe for disaster.

It was only because they had come to the desert to be themselves, to be their everyday selves, and to forget about a world that separated them from themselves that the simple men who lived to a ripe old age among the rocks and sands were able to do so.

As a result, leaving the earth is really a way of contributing to its preservation while also protecting oneself.

The Coptic hermits who fled the world as if they were fleeing a shipwreck had more than one goal in mind when they left: they wanted to preserve the world.

However, as they gained a firm grip on solid ground, things began to change.

.

The only difference is that we must be just as thorough and relentless in our resolve to break all spiritual bindings and cast off the dominance of foreign compulsions in order to uncover and develop our innate spiritual liberty and utilize it to create the Kingdom of God on this planet.” (Thomas Merton, et al.) The summons to leave Egypt, civilization, and the largest country on earth, and to journey into the desert (Great Lent), exposes to us the essence of civilization in its most fundamental sense.

  1. Culture seeks to mold us into its own vision of what it means to be human or Christian, as well as into persons who are eager to serve the demands of the culture and to bind themselves to its dictates and expectations.
  2. For this reason, the desert fathers believed that civilization was a shipwreck, and that the only way to discover their actual selves, the people that God meant each of us to be, was to isolate themselves from all of the advantages, temptations, and allures of society.
  3. Republicans and Democrats alike believe they are the only ones who truly understand what the Gospel is all about.
  4. Consider the words of Christ, “love your enemies,” as an illustration of this (Luke 6:27, 35).
  5. However, the understanding and explanation provided by the culture is not always the same as the one provided by Christ in the Gospel.
  6. In it, a young German man tells how he was transformed from his former self, a youthful German citizen, into a cog of the Nazi war machine.
  7. He did, in fact, become a stranger to himself, and not only that, but he also lost all empathy for the people around him, whom he no longer recognized as fellow beings.

He did what he had to do in order to survive in that situation.

He attempted to save himself by conforming to the requirements of the state, but in the process he lost his soul and any semblance of humanity he may have had left.

In this season of preparation for Lent, we are challenged to ponder like the desert fathers did as they considered the empire they lived in.

They questioned if being a Christian just meant serving the Roman Empire, or whether they owed their devotion only to the Kingdom of God, which was not of this earth.

When they accepted the protection and Lordship of Caesar, they questioned if this meant that they were no longer under the only protection and Lordship of God.

DIGITAL CAMERA FROM OLYMPUS ” data-image-caption=”” data-medium-file=” data-large-file=”” data-image-caption=”” data-medium-file=” data-large-file=” src=”h=250″ alt=”OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA” width=”403″ height=”250″ src=”h=250″ alt=”OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA” width=”403″ height=”250″ All of these questions must be asked of ourselves.

Today, we continue to live in the same world that the apostles and desert fathers did centuries ago.

Some may argue that it is not an either/or situation; rather, why can’t it be both?

The Gospel was perceived as a challenge to the authority and power of all of these governments and organizations.

That the disciples were scared as they followed Christ into Jerusalem is understandable.

Not only does the state want us to temper the Gospel in order to achieve its objectives, but so does the church.

“Teacher, we want You to accomplish for us anything we ask,” John and James express their desire to Jesus.

God grant me what I desire, what I demand, what I thirst for, and what I believe to be my legal entitlement.

Our own Lord and Master, we demand that God serve us, and we become our own Lord and Master.

Christ reminds us of the crucifixion, that He came to serve rather than to be served, and that we are to follow in His footsteps.

Peter was watching from a safe distance.

(See also Luke 22:54) Alternatively, we may determine that we truly wish to live for Christ, with Christ, and in Christ. Alternatively, Thus, all other values and rewards will be placed into perspective, and we shall live by and for the eternal Kingdom of God, rather than for ourselves.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.