Matthew, Mark, and Luke all begin their stories of the adult Jesus at the Jordan River, where he is baptized by his cousin John. In baptism, Jesus identifies with us, and with all people everywhere. And, there, at the baptism, God said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” At the beginning of the story, the gospel writer wants to make it clear who this is he is telling about: this is Jesus, the son of God! What a powerful beginning to the story!

Jesus knew, as he must have known for some time, that God was calling him to a special mission. Now was the time to begin it. So, he went into the wilderness to sort it all out, to clarify the nature of God’s call. He stayed in that wilderness, fasting and praying for 40 days (that’s where we get the 40 days of Lent.) And, his time …