And there in the wilderness he remained forty days, being tempted by Satan, and he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
This verse briefly presents the profound mystery of Christ’s temptation. The forty days recall Israel’s journey in the wilderness and the fasting experiences of Moses and Elijah. Yet where Israel was often unbelieving, Christ remains perfectly obedient. Satan’s temptations reveal evil’s opposition to the Son of God, but they also show that evil cannot overcome him. The phrase “He was with the wild animals” intensifies the picture of solitude and danger, while the service of the angels confirms that the Father does not abandon his Son. Thus, Christ’s victory becomes for the believer not only comfort, but also living power, because he himself passed through temptation and conquered, and so he is able to strengthen, guide, and establish all who are in temptation and trust in him.