But Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and continued in the Spirit in the wilderness forty days, being tempted of the Devil. And he ate nothing during those days; and when they were accomplished He hungered (Luke 4:1-2).

The blessed prophets, when speaking of the Only-begotten Word of God lead us to the persuasion that He was manifested as a Saviour and Deliverer for those upon earth, by saying Arise, O Lord, help me.

He arose therefore and helped, having taken the form of a slave, and being made in the likeness of men.

For so did He as one of us set Himself as an avenger in our stead, against that murderous and rebellious serpent, who had brought sin upon us, and thereby had caused corruption and death to reign over the dwellers upon earth.

He did this so that we by His means, and in Him, might gain the victory, whereas of old we were vanquished, and fallen in Adam

Come therefore and let us praise the Lord, and sing psalms unto God our Saviour.

Let us trample Satan under foot. Let us raise the shout of victory over him now he is thrown and fallen.

[...] For of old, that is before the time of the advent of Christ the Saviour of all, the universal enemy had somewhat grand and terrible notions about himself.

For he boastfully exulted over the infirmity of the inhabitants of the earth…and in very truth there was no one of those upon earth who could rise up against his power.

But the Son rose up against him, and contended with him, having been made like unto us.

And therefore, as I said, human nature, as victorious in Him, wins the crown.

And this in old time the Son Himself proclaimed, where by one of the holy prophets He thus addresses Satan: Behold, I am against thee, O corrupting mountain, that corruptest the whole earth.

Come therefore and let us see what the blessed Evangelist says, when Christ was now going to battle in our behalf with him who corrupted the whole earth: But Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan.

Here behold, I pray, man’s nature anointed with the grace of the Holy Spirit in Christ as the first-fruits, and crowned with the highest honours.

For of old indeed the God of all promised, saying it shall come to pass in those days, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.

And the promise is fulfilled for us in Christ first.

Of those in old time who without restraint gave way to fleshly lust, God somewhere said my Spirit shall not dwell in these men, because they are flesh.

Now, however, all things have become new in Christ, and we are enriched with the regeneration that is by water and Spirit – for no longer are we children of flesh and blood, but rather call God our Father.

Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376-444): Commentary on Luke, Sermon 12 [on Luke 4;1-2].

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