The Gospel of Mark 1:9-13
Sermon Recap
Mark 1:9-13
9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, 13 and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
Mark’s gospel writing is different than Luke, John, and Matthew. He chooses his words carefully to describe two important scenes in Chapter 1: 1) the baptism of Jesus and 2) Jesus' 40 days.
Scene One: The Baptism of Jesus brings forth the question “Why would Jesus, the Holy One, get baptized?” Jesus fully immersed Himself into the human experience, coming among us as a baby—frail, humble and with limitations, in solidarity and unity with humanity.
In verses 9-10, we also see an indication of the Trinity (the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Spirit comes as a dove). Love requires relationship, and we were made for a ‘divine dance’ with the Triune God that is eternal. By centering our lives around Him, we enter the dance and can receive His joy.
Finally, at Jesus’ baptism the “heavens are torn apart,” revealing the irreversible action and the permanence of His reign, the “Here and Now” of God’s kingdom.
Scene Two: The Wilderness. Here the Holy Spirit leads Jesus out to be tempted, in the company of wild beasts. Why wild beasts? At the time when Mark’s gospel was written, Christians were being thrown to wild beasts to be fed and killed. And so Jesus, in fulfillment of Isaiah 11:6-9 is with the beasts, reminding the hearer of the hope of the coming day when prey and predator will lay together in peace. When courage fails and fear grips us, we can know Jesus walks with us among the wild beasts.
Practices for Tonight
Select one or more of the following to use as a launch point for reflection, sharing and discussion:
Reflect on the imagery of the divine dance where “God dances toward us” and that Jesus on the cross is asking “Shall we dance?” How is this good news to your ears, eyes, and heart? How might God be calling you to respond to this invitation today or in this season of your life?
What Scriptures come to mind that declare and affirm the promise that Jesus is moving towards you?
Where in your day or week so far have you been confident that Jesus is with you? If it feels like He isn’t, that’s okay, give voice to this and offer your honest self to Him. After sharing, pause and take a moment to offer this as prayer, wanting to be known and fully loved.
How are you experiencing His gentleness, kindness? How is Jesus leading you to Him each day?
Practice for the Week
Spend some time this week with the image of the Prodigal Son and meditating on the passage in Luke 15:11-32. What part of the image are your eyes drawn to? Take a moment to ask God in prayer what might He be speaking to you through this parable and image. How would you like to respond to what you are noticing from the Scripture and/or image?
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt
Offer the Lord a prayer of relationship with Him and thanksgiving.
