Jesus was 30 years of age when He began His public ministry. He was baptised in the river Jordan, and in so doing he identified Himself with men and women who seek to live for the glory of God. During His Baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and God the Father, in an audible voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus then went into the desert, where He endured a period of intense temptation from Satan that lasted for forty days (Matthew 4:1-2).
Satan’s tactics were to use confusion, presumption and ambition (Matthew 4:3-11); each time, Jesus responded by quoting God’s Word:
Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
It is significant that the Spirit led Jesus into the desert (Luke 4:1). He was stalking the enemy. He had come into the world to destroy Satan’s work, and the first step in His public ministry was to confront our enemy and triumph where Adam had failed.
Jesus knows the full power of temptation because Jesus has withstood the full force of Satan’s assault.
Jesus is able to help you when you are tempted. He understands your temptations, because He Himself has been tempted (Hebrews 4:15–16).
Jesus returned from the desert in the power of the Holy Spirit to begin His public ministry. In the synagogue at Nazareth, He read the words of Isaiah the prophet about the promised deliverer (Luke 4:18–19), and declares himself as the one fulfilling this prophecy (Luke 4:21).
The response of the people? They drove Jesus out of their town (Luke 4:29).
What followed was three years in which Jesus gave Himself to serving God by serving others. His disciples witnessed His power; over nature, a storm, over demons, as He released the oppressed. They also witnessed His power over disease, as He healed the sick; and even over the grave, as He raised the dead. Many believed and followed Him, but there was also relentless opposition, which ultimately led to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
