And He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him. Mark 1:13
As prophesied by Isaiah, John came baptizing for the repentance of sins. At this time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized. As He came out of the water, Heaven was torn open and the Holy Spirit descended as a dove. God’s voice spoke, “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (verses 1-12)
Following this event Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days, fasted and prayed. This was not a time of serenity. Satan pulled out all the stops in an attempt to end our hope before it ever got started. Jesus prevailed.
The great questions of theology deal with Holy living and the community relationships of Christians. There is admittedly some wiggle room that does not make a difference between Heaven and hell. However, in this passage you find Jesus, fully and completely, Son of Man and Son of God. Jesus was indisputably human in every meaning of the word. He lived as we lived, with discomfort and temptation, fought life’s most common battles, remained the sinless servant of all mankind, died a human death, BUT rose again into eternal life, thus removing the power of satan to hold us prisoner to the sorrows of this world.
Have a Great Thursday!
Gretchen