As detailed in the Biblical narrative in Matthew 4, to prepare for his ministry, Jesus went into “the wilderness” to spend weeks fasting and praying. There, the Devil tempted Jesus in a variety of ways, from appealing to his basest of needs (by suggesting he turn stones to bread to satisfy his hunger) to promising him dominion over all the world if he would bow down and worship him.

The entire narrative is rife with spiritual significance, says Glory Dy, writing in Christianity.com. The writer notes that Jesus’ fasting highlights the fact that he was fully human just like the rest of us and experienced base human desires, such as for food. Further, the narrative is something of an allegory for the message that “true nourishment comes from God,” as the writer notes. He also overcame temptation, and he did so by appealing to scripture in each case. Finally, the writer notes that Jesus’ period of fasting is an example for other Christians to follow, a means of acknowledging that a Christian’s strength comes not from himself or herself but from God and the scriptures.