There are virtually no plants, therefore no animals eating them, and making scurrying noises, no birds overhead trying to eat the animals. It's uncannily silent.
The day I went there (which was almost exactly 19 years ago) there was hardly even a breeze, and the still sky was virtually cloudless and looked like translucent blue glass.
By contrast, the pale sand looks almost grey, and the landscape looks as though you're viewing it in black and white. Sitting there in silence for a while, your mind begins to listen to the sounds of your own body, your breathing and heartbeat, the rushing of your blood through your head. Being a modern westerner used to background noise, I soon become restive.
I wonder how Jesus coped. Nothing to do all day. Nothing to see. Not even mealtimes to break the monotony.
After the triumphant scenes of his baptism, he was led out by the Holy Spirit to this empty, empty place and dumped there, with nothing to do but think.
No wonder his ancient enemy took the opportunity to mess with his mind. Three temptations were hurled at him. Hungry? Then turn a stone into bread. Go on - you can do it.
"No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.'"
Thirsty for power then? I can solve that for you. I can put everything under your feet. A simple price: just worship me.
“The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Are you sure you're safe? Why don't you put it to the test? Jump! See if God catches you!
"You must not test the Lord your God."
Jesus stood firm. He didn't abuse his power for his own ends, he didn't use it to force people to obey him, he didn't try to force God to show he loved him.
All power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Unless you're Jesus, that is.
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