2: This situation was specifically selected by the Father. The Spirit led Christ into this forty-day fast to show it as a time of testing. The number forty is sometimes associated with testing in Scripture. Also, fasting is a spiritual activity, which illustrates one’s focus on God as our source of strength. Forty days of fasting would be considered even by the self-righteous as a sufficient period. Elijah fasted for forty days on his way to Mt Horeb. Although in his case, God had fed him a special meal that surely helped out with the fasting.
It should be said here that fasting does not need to include deprivation of water. It has already been proven that a human being cannot go that long without water. Nothing in the passage is saying that Jesus went without water, just food. This does not mean that God could not have supernaturally caused Jesus to be able to go without water, especially since he is the Son of God. However, this seems unlikely and unnecessary.
Personal Journal Entry #12120
Prayer Journal Entry #12120
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-20:21
Praise Journal Entry #12080: Heavenly Father, thank You for Christ’s example. It is so much better to have him to compare ourselves to. He is the perfect One. It is always good to try to emulate him. What an encouragement to do what is right! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.