Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:11
Another word about the supernatural as we end this section about the supernatural temptations of Christ.
After the supernatural creature, Satan, finished (and failed) tempting Jesus, Satan went away and left Him alone. Soon after this happened, other angels, these from heaven, rushed in to attend to Jesus. We assume they brought Him food, water, and comfort. Their presence helped Jesus to regain His human strength.
Now, I don’t know if I’ve ever met an angel in person, but I’m betting it’s likely. I’m also betting it’s the same for you. Do they look like bright white creatures with wings? Or Clarence Oddbody, AS2? Or Nicolas Cage? Or how about the cherubim and truly odd-looking creatures described in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation? Answer to all three? Probably not.
Instead, most are unseen, but probably all around us. Or, perhaps they’ve taken the forms of men who we meet along the way of life? One time, I met a homeless man to whom I gave some free food, and just from his gaze, I would swear he wasn’t of this world. Another time, I believe an invisible angel notified me that my infant son was in danger because he had sprayed bleach in his eyes. If I think about it, there are probably many more such meetings with people that I can’t easily explain, but always worked for my uplifting or benefit.
I think those were angels because angels are ministering beings and spirits God sends to the world to help His kingdom work and carry out His commands. The opposite of this are demons: the fallen angels who follow Satan and do his bidding as well. The Bible is replete with instances where demons possessed and harmed people, doing supernatural things that are contrary to the Lord’s will.
Perhaps they battle all around us all the time. I believe this is true as well. After all, Satan has been (irrationally) battling God since before God made the earth.
After Satan (the coward) left Jesus there in the desert, angels came and ministered to Him. They fed Him. They gave Him water. Perhaps they gave Jesus new clothing, or dressed cuts and scrapes He had received in the previous forty days. Maybe they kept Him company, helping Jesus to talk through the emotional traumas of being hungry, alone, and then tortured by the devil. Who knows just exactly how the angels attended to Him; the Bible doesn’t fully say, meaning “we have sufficient information.” What we do know is that it was real, and it really happened.
Who knows? Perhaps some of those same angels who took care of Jesus are the ones who take care of you and I.
For more reading: Ezekiel 1:5-14, Daniel 10:5-6, Revelation 4:6-8, Matthew 4:12
Lord, I believe in You and Your holy angels. Thank You for sending them to help and protect us.
Practical Proverbs 