When the Creator Wore Sandals
Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. Mark 1:12-13
How many times have you heard that said? Perhaps you’ve said it yourself. Those words are usually said to excuse yourself, right? “You did something wrong.” “Yeah, well, no one’s perfect!” So you can’t expect me to be perfect. The only trouble is God does expect you to be perfect! Jesus said, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) That’s what makes this account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness so precious to us.
Mark only mentions it briefly, but he gives us some interesting details. “The Spirit DROVE Him into the wilderness.” Matthew tells us why. It was for a very specific reason—“to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) Jesus walked in our sandals so that He would face all the temptations we face.
Mark also says “He was with the wild beasts.” When are you most likely to fall for temptation? Isn’t it in times of great distress and pressure? That is when the true nature of our heart is revealed. Jesus was in the most severe distress. He had eaten NOTHING for 40 days. (See Luke 4:2) He was at His weakest state physically. That was when He was most vulnerable to wild animals. This was also a time of emotional and mental distress. Satan was quick to take advantage of that. Yet Jesus remained perfect, without even a hint of sin. How wonderful to know there is One Who is truly perfect. The eternal, holy Son of God who wore sandals to walk in our place. He faced all the temptations we face and fall for daily and He remained perfect. He did that for us, as our substitute. His perfect holy life is credited to us.
Dear Savior, may I never try to hide behind the fact that no one’s perfect, thinking I’m as good as anyone. I am a sinner. Cover me with your perfect righteousness. Amen.