The Gospel of Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Let us Pray: Everlasting God, your son Jesus Christ was tried and tempted by the devil. May we never be ashamed of temptation but saved from the weakness of giving in. Help us choose the way of faithfulness rather than popularity, service rather than fame and sacrifice rather than power. This we pray in your Name. Amen
When we achieve certain goals, we get a feeling of accomplishment. That’s probably how Jesus felt as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
This had to be a splendid moment being affirmed by God as God’s beloved Son. After this affirmation Jesus knew he had earth-changing work to do. The work was full of Possibilities. After his baptism by John, Jesus went to a “spiritual wilderness.” He was tempted, as we are, but he did not sin. He did not succumb to temptation. Have you ever gone to a spiritual wilderness where you needed alone time to find your way? So, when the Spirit sent him out to the wilderness, Jesus was able to discern which of these possibilities affirmed God’s will, and which did not. Why is wilderness a part of the Christian’s journey? It would be much, much easier to live the temptation that following God means life without struggle! The thing about wilderness: it is a place of growth. It allows us to identify with Jesus as he faces the hunger, loneliness, and temptations that will challenge his public ministry. The wilderness is part of the journey because it is how we learn to trust God, where we forge our identity as God’s children. As the Spirit of God leads us into this forty-day wilderness journey of Lent, welcome it as a time to renew your relationship with the Lord, to reclaim your identity as a child of God. In the wilderness we get the opportunity to listen to the still soothing voice, a small quiet voice, and to allow ourselves to follow in his steps. Remember that Jesus himself has walked this path for us. As we can do that, we will begin to experience some of the victories Jesus won for us in that wilderness experience and make the witness he made at his baptism.
Let us Pray: Gracious God, help us to see this time of Lent as an opportunity to develop our discipleship and discipline and as your Son Jesus showed us how to reject temptation, fill us with grace to be faithful to his example in this Lenten season and the years ahead. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Reflections by Bob 