Read Mark 1:9-15
I can’t even fathom the transition Jesus endured. He went from the high point of his baptism to being drawn into the wilderness to encounter the craftiness of Satan. The passage says Jesus was “compelled” to spend these 40 days in the desert. That’s a long time to be tempted by evil.
Mark’s gospel account of these two life events seems like the condensed version when compared to other gospels. Both were significant milestones in Jesus’ life. The baptism appears in all four gospels, and the temptation in three. Both events take place before Jesus begins his ministry.
Jesus’ baptism further confirms who Jesus is. The voice of God booming from heaven leaves us no doubt. “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Who else heard God’s voice? I thought it spoke volumes that even the Son of God would be baptized. Galatians 3:27 says, “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” That’s a great image for us.
Did you notice how quickly Jesus was whisked away to be tempted? No sooner had his sonship been acknowledged, and he was removed from the public eye to face Satan. Even Jesus was not immune to the evil one’s craftiness. If Jesus could be tempted, we shouldn’t be surprised when we’re tested.
Finally, Mark tells us that after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus took over in preaching to the people. Jesus said, “The time promised by God has come at last!” That comment tells me that Jesus was anxiously awaiting God’s timing for his ministry to begin. Jesus knew what his mission was, it was just a matter of time, God’s time, for it to begin. How often do we rush God’s timing for our own life in ministry?
I can think of several experiences where I started something “I thought” would be good for the children in my ministry. It flopped. It wasn’t God’s idea or his timing. The same programming worked like a charm several years later. Go figure! Sometimes it’s hard to be patient and wait for God.
Jesus knows what it’s like for us to struggle. This short passage reveals how Jesus experienced so much of what we face in our lives. He didn’t cave when there was pressure. We could shrug it off saying, “Jesus was God, it was easier for him.” But we need to remember Jesus was completely human. Quite an interesting dynamic of messages that must have been colliding in his brain!
Because of what Jesus discovered as a man, he knew we’d need his Spirit to succeed in staying faithful. The Holy Spirit’s power is available to help us with patience, to help us endure testing, and to give us the power we need to overcome just about anything we face. We forget sometimes to call upon that power and miss out on the assurance we are not alone.
Take some time today to reflect on those areas of life that need a touch from the Holy Spirit.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for all that you endured for me. I can’t imagine being alone in the wilderness for 40 days being lured by Satan. I am so grateful for the angels that protected you. Angels like that protect me, too, and words cannot express my gratitude for the peace that affords. Help me to be more in tune to your leadership and rely on your wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
