Sprouted
The message of Christ "sprouted" in the wilderness in several ways, but like the rocky soil in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21), it did not yet have depth in the hearts of Israel. Here’s how we see Christ in the wilderness experience:
1. The Sprouting of the Gospel in Types and Shadows
Though Israel struggled, seeds of Christ’s message were already being planted:
- The Manna (Exod. 16:4, John 6:31-35) – Christ as the true bread from heaven.
- The Rock (Exod. 17:6, 1 Cor. 10:4) – Christ as the stricken Rock who gives living water.
- The Bronze Serpent (Num. 21:8-9, John 3:14-15) – A picture of Christ on the cross.
- The Tabernacle (Exod. 25:8-9, John 1:14) – God dwelling with His people, fulfilled in Christ.
These were glimpses of the Gospel, but Israel’s hard hearts kept them from fully receiving it.
2. Israel’s Joyful but Shallow Response
At first, Israel received God's word with joy:
- After crossing the Red Sea, they sang praises (Exod. 15:1-21).
- They agreed to the covenant at Sinai: "All that the Lord has spoken we will do" (Exod. 19:8).
But like the rocky soil in Jesus' parable:
- Their faith was shallow—they followed out of signs and wonders, not deep trust.
- When trials came (hunger, thirst, waiting on Moses), they quickly withered into complaints and rebellion (Num. 14:1-4).
3. Christ’s Own Wilderness Experience: A Contrast
Where Israel failed, Christ succeeded:
- He endured 40 days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11), facing the same hunger, testing, and temptation.
- Unlike Israel, He remained rooted in God's word: "It is written..."
- He proved that He was the True Israel—the one who would fully trust the Father.
4. Conclusion: The Need for Depth
The Gospel "sprouted" in the wilderness through types and shadows of Christ, but it had not yet taken deep root in the hearts of Israel. They were like the rocky soil, responding with joy at first but falling away in hardship.
Christ came as the True Israel, taking root where they failed, so that in Him, we would not wither under trials but bear fruit that lasts (John 15:5-8).
