The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. This morning, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 1:9-13 - the text covered by the next chapter of my commentary. The text broadly describes Jesus's baptism by John (vv9-11) and the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness (vv12-13) - also described in Matthew 3-4, Luke 3-4, and to a certain extent (only the baptism) in John 1. Although Mark's account of Jesus' temptation by Satan is the shortest, with fewer details, Mark 1:13 strikes me as it also appears in Matthew's account in Matthew 4:11. In Mark, the timing of when "angels were ministering to [Jesus]" occurs earlier then in Matthew. Regardless of timing, both Mark and Matthew felt it was important for readers to understand this detail that Jesus had a need - Jesus was suffering. He was alone in the wilderness, with wild animals, and he was hungry and afraid. God sent His Son to die on the cross as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God so that those who believe in Him can have salvation and the blessings of a transformed heart and life. During His ministry on earth, Jesus experienced what we as believers experience, including fear, temptation, loss, pain, etc. He not only lived a sinless life, He experienced the suffering (and then some!) we encounter in our lives. Hebrews 4:15-16 is instructive here: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Draw near to Jesus!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are awesome God who sympathizes with all of my circumstances, and I always have You where I can cast my cares and anxieties. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation and how You allow me to cast my cares and anxieties on You. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
