Written by: Barbara Lee
Reading: Mark 1:9-15
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[a] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark describes for us the events leading up to the beginning of Jesus’ adult ministry. It may come as a surprise that despite God’s favor, Jesus is not spared the struggles, temptations and worries associated with new beginnings. In our own discipleship journey, as we grow in our relationship with God and serve God’s people, we too will be asked to take on new projects or new life directions that create uncertainty and fears. How reassuring to know that our Savior has walked that path as well and knows our trials. Jesus did not call on God to take away the struggles, but to be in relationship with him and provide the support he needed to fulfill God’s will. What a comfort to know that as God did not abandon Jesus in the wilderness, God does not abandon us on our journey either.
God and Savior, continue to hear our prayer as we seek to know you better, and strive to do your will. Amen
Reading: Mark 1:9-15
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[a] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark describes for us the events leading up to the beginning of Jesus’ adult ministry. It may come as a surprise that despite God’s favor, Jesus is not spared the struggles, temptations and worries associated with new beginnings. In our own discipleship journey, as we grow in our relationship with God and serve God’s people, we too will be asked to take on new projects or new life directions that create uncertainty and fears. How reassuring to know that our Savior has walked that path as well and knows our trials. Jesus did not call on God to take away the struggles, but to be in relationship with him and provide the support he needed to fulfill God’s will. What a comfort to know that as God did not abandon Jesus in the wilderness, God does not abandon us on our journey either.
God and Savior, continue to hear our prayer as we seek to know you better, and strive to do your will. Amen
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