The Gospel of Saint Matthew relates that Jesus, after his baptism and before beginning his public activity, was tempted by Satan in the desert. And this story had a very important meaning, because the desert was always considered a hostile place in ancient times, Jesus suffered hunger and thirst; and there the evil presented to him personified in Satan, and the tempter offered Jesus riches and power if he would prostrate to worship him.
And what the gospel shows us is that the path chosen by Jesus was not that of a conqueror like Alexander the Great, who coveted wealth and power, and who like Jesus died at the age of 33; but rather the path chosen by Jesus was the path of humility and forgiveness. Jesus rejected Satan's offers and waited on God, Jesus was not dominated by concupiscence, that is, the selfish desire for happiness, and thus he emerged triumphant, his spirit was able to dominate the physical weaknesses of the flesh.
This is how the gospel of Saint Matthew relates the temptation of Jesus in the desert:
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ´If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.´
Jesus answered, ´It is written: ´Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.´
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ´If you are the Son of God,´ he said, ´throw yourself down. For it is written:
´He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.´
Jesus answered him, ´It is also written: ´Do not put the Lord your God to the test.´´
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdom of the world and their splendor. ´All this I will give you,´ he said, ´if you will bow down and worship me.´
Jesus said to him, ´Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ´Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.´
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him" Matthew 4:1-11.
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