Mark 1:12-13
“At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.”
“The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.”
The brevity of Mark’s language describing the temptation of Christ runs across the page. There is none of the drama as it is elaborated in other gospels. Mark’s subjects and predicates shine with immediacy. It makes me feel like I’m in the story, not merely observing it, immersed in the eternal portent of those forty days. Christ rejected the temptation to ascend God’s throne. Instead, he chose to redeem the world and sacrificed himself. Blessedly he chose to show us the way to submit and become free.
Lord Jesus, thank you for resisting Satan’s call. I am grateful for your message and the definition it has brought to my life. You chose to walk with me rather than sit upon a throne. I feel loved. Spirit, help me to respond in measure to your incredible gift.