Praying with Jesus 1: In times of trial

After fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, Jesus is tempted by the devil.  (Matthew 4:1-11)

Is this time in the wilderness a test or a trial?  

(... and what might the difference be?)

• A test is something that assesses what we've learned and whether we are ready to advanced to the next stage.
• A trial is something that is designed to teach us what is necessary for the next stage.

Pastor Rob reflects on how understanding this wilderness temptation as a trial can help us do two things:

First, it can deepen our appreciation of fasting as preparation for the trials of life.

Second, it can deepen our connection to Jesus as one who prays with us during the trials of life.

The artwork is Christ in the Desert by Vasily Polenov, 1909