Fasting as Handicapping...

• Luke 4:2 (NLT)

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I sometimes think that Jesus was just fasting to level the playing field a little. I can imagine him calling the Devil out.

Jesus: How about some one on one tempting, Bub. Is it all right if I call you Bub for short? Beelzebub is just a mouthful.

Devil: One on one? Maybe. But no angels.

Jesus: That's kinda what I meant by one on one.

Devil: And no disciples.

Jesus: I'll be all alone.

Devil: Why don't you fast for a few days.

Jesus: Seven?

Devil: Uhh...

Jesus: Longer? That's cool. Name it. Whatever you think is "fair."

Devil: Okay... Forty days, no food, in the desert. You can't use any supernatural powers and I get to mess with time and space and stuff as much as I want.

Jesus: Done and done. Anything else?

Devil: Uhh... No. No tricks, though!

Jesus: Let's just remember who is trying to trick who. See you there.

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