The Bible recounts Jesus' long fast, stating that it lasted 40 days without eating anything and being tempted by the devil. At the end of this period of consecration, He was hungry. It is interesting to note that the Master did not fixate his thoughts on food, as He was in communion with the Father and would soon begin His pilgrimage journey through Israel to fulfill the mission entrusted to Him.

Christ came into the world to show us how to resist the prince of darkness and to successfully do the work of God. The evangelist Matthew records the beginning of Jesus' journey: And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people (Matthew 4.23). All the time, He walked

through Israel blessing the people.

For the Master, it didn't matter if He was in distant and poor places, or among the rich and authorities. His main mission was to bring the Good News of God to those who were suffering. Wherever He went, Jesus taught the people how to receive the blessings of the Most High. However, despite everything He preached, there are still billions of people who have never heard of Him.

Those who stop to listen to the message of Christ quickly recognize that this is what they were seeking and embrace Him with all their heart. The more we announce the Savior to the world, the more we will see similar reactions in those who seek divine peace and rejoice for having found the Son of God. His Name is powerful against demons and diseases considered incurable (Luke 10:19). He is our Refuge and our Fortress (Psalm 46:1).

I have never met anyone who, having found Jesus with His love and power, as described in the Scriptures, has regretted that experience. On the contrary, many regret not having known Him earlier, for their lives have changed for the better. In the Lord, everyone will find peace and security to live far from evils.

The devil did not stop tempting the Messiah, but He did not pay any attention to him. The Master clung to the promises of the Father and did not bow before the lies of the evil one. The Savior is perfect in everything He says and does, and He helps in such a powerful way that people seek Him without ceasing. When God acts, there is no denying that it was a divine action. Christ is an expert in making the impossible happen, just trust!

Jesus was hungry, but He did not give in to the enemy's suggestions, which tested how far the Master's faith in God would go. Esau, for example, unlike Christ, gave in and traded the right to the birthright for a plate of food (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-41). Later, he became enraged and pursued his brother. The Lord does the work with mastery and perfection. In Him, there is much more for those who choose to believe in His promises!

        In Christ, with love,

        R. R. Soares