Written by Brenna Covelens
The loneliest time of my life was when I was in my freshman year of high school. My school and another school merged, so I had fewer classes with my best friends. My relationship with my dad was becoming strained.
To top it off, I was facing depression alone. It was the hardest year of high school for me, and it wasn’t a good start to my new life. Yet, I know I’m not the only one who’s faced loneliness. Jesus has, too.
There are plenty of passages in Scripture to show how Jesus dealt with loneliness, but I think especially of Matthew 4. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness.
For forty days and nights, the only one to visit Him was the devil himself. Jesus was alone, hungry, thirsty, and in the middle of nowhere. He was also God born in the flesh as a human, which was lonesome and burdened enough. Knowing this, the devil tried to tempt and test him.
The passage begins, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1, NLT). This reminded me of the way my parents guided me as a child and then eventually let go, allowing me to enter the wilderness of an unknown future.
There, I’ve been tested by the many difficulties and choices that come with adulthood, such as how to spend my money, which doctor’s office would cover my work health insurance, and paying bills on time.
This made me sympathize with Jesus. I thought it was unfair for the Spirit to lead Him to the wilderness to endure Satan’s remarks and tricks. I couldn’t help but wonder, Why would the Spirit leave Jesus alone with the devil? Why would He want that to happen to Jesus?
Then I reminded myself why parents let go of their kids after a certain number of years. They trust their teachings were enough for their children to build upon. They raised them to continue what they started. God, the ultimate Father, called Jesus to finish what He has started. He gave Jesus the Holy Spirit to guide Him.
It’s important to notice that when the devil tempts Jesus, He counters every test with Scripture. John calls Jesus the Word who was with God and who was God. When Christ recites Scripture, He knows what He is talking about because He knows His Father’s will. Jesus stands His ground, commanding the devil to go away. Then the angels of God come and take care of Him.
I’ve personally struggled against Satan’s mind games and the way he manipulates Scripture. The devil will never stop attacking because his main mission is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). But I’m equipped to stand my ground through what I’ve studied in the Bible and my parents’ teachings.
I can think of many times in my own life where I’ve experienced loneliness and temptation, as Christ experienced in the wilderness.
Sometimes, I’m tested to see what I know. Sometimes, I’m tested to see what I can do. I’m also tested to credit those who taught me. And I’m able to withstand the devil through the power of the Word of God.
Overall, this chapter brought me comfort in knowing that even when I feel alone facing enemies or trials in my own wilderness, God’s Word remains in me. My parents’ teachings are a wisdom for my protection, and it’s there when I need it.
Jesus knows firsthand how we feel daily in our lives. Because of the loneliness He suffered, we don’t have to suffer alone. More importantly, none of us are ever alone. Instead, our experiences of pain and loneliness allow us to see how great Jesus’ strength truly is.