3 Things Jesus Lost in the Wilderness

We begin with a review of items that have been lost — or found. Then we look at Jesus' temptation to consider what was lost — and found — in his exchange with the devil in the wilderness.

On this first Sunday in Lent, we are entering a season that lasts 40 days. This period of time is based on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and being tempted by the devil.

Forty days. That's a long time to fast, eating "nothing at all" (v. 2). A long time to be tempted by Satan.

Fortunately, Jesus was "full of the Holy Spirit" during this period, and he was "led by the Spirit in the wilderness" (v. 1). As grueling as these 40 days were, they had a purpose — God knew that Jesus had to let go of some things, and hold onto others.

In the desert, Jesus was going to the Lost and Found.

All through history, important items have been lost and found. Some are good and some are bad — a book called Found lists some of them: Discarded valentines, ransom notes, to-do lists, diaries, homework assignments, even a break-up letter written on the back of an airsickness bag.

What do you think the letter said? "You make me sick"?

Important items are lost and found all over, from ...