Matthew 4:2
And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The Significance of Matthew 4:2
In Matthew 4:2, we see Jesus fasting for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness. This act of fasting holds great significance in the Bible and in Christian theology. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food for a period of time in order to focus on prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s will.
The number forty is significant in the Bible, as it represents a period of testing, preparation, and purification. In the Old Testament, we see examples of forty days and nights of rain during the flood, forty years of wandering in the wilderness for the Israelites, and Moses fasting for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai. Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness echoes these biblical themes of testing and preparation.
During his fast, Jesus faced temptation from the devil, who tried to lure him away from his mission and obedience to God. Jesus’ ability to resist temptation during this time of fasting demonstrates his strength, discipline, and commitment to fulfilling God’s will. It also serves as an example for Christians to follow in times of testing and temptation.
The fact that Jesus was hungry after forty days and nights of fasting highlights his humanity. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus experienced physical hunger and weakness, showing that he could relate to the struggles and limitations of human beings. This aspect of Jesus’ humanity is important for Christians, as it reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses and is able to empathize with our struggles.
In conclusion, Matthew 4:2 is a powerful reminder of the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, the significance of the number forty in the Bible, and Jesus’ humanity and ability to resist temptation. It challenges us to seek God’s will, rely on his strength, and trust in his provision during times of testing and trial.