In the narrative of the temptations, Jesus is seen in the wilderness, where he attempts to answer difficult questions regarding the shape and substance of his future ministry. The temptations of Jesus occurred in the wilderness following his baptism. Is that not true to all human experience? In our best moments evil stalks our trail. He was alone. Is that not true to experience, too? People face many of life’s experiences with others, but temptations are faced largely alone.

Why did Jesus go into the wilderness? He went in order to decide what type of Messiah he intended to be, to find himself. It would seem on the surface that the wilderness is a place to get lost, not found. Yet, at the outset of his public ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness to answer for himself at least the questi…