blessing to testing

Mark 1:9-13

"9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10 And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him:

11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

12 And immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness.

13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him."

Day Two of A Summer in Mark: Jesus on the Move! Mark uses the Greek word for “immediately” 40 times, moving quickly to tell the most important story in history; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message is urgent. The sooner we receive and believe the Gospel, the better.

More is known about Mark than any other gospel writer except John. The early Jerusalem church met in his mother’s home. He joined Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey and had a close relationship with Peter, who was likely his primary source for this Gospel. Peter was such a regular visitor to Mark’s mother’s house that the servants recognized him by voice (Acts 12:12–14). Some scholars believe Mark was the young man who watched Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane (Mark 14:51–52) and that the Last Supper may have taken place in his home. Mark’s connection to Jesus was very real.

In today’s passage, we hear the Father’s public affirmation of Jesus: “You are My beloved Son, whom I love.” This declares two vital truths:

•“Beloved Son” emphasizes Jesus’ unique, intimate relationship with the Father and His divine authority.

•“Well pleased” shows God’s complete delight and approval, Jesus’ life and mission perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will.

Notice how Mark rushes straight from the high point of Jesus’ baptism to His temptation in the wilderness. What can you learn from Jesus’ immediate transition from blessing to testing?