Approval and Attack – The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus.

Mark’s gospel begins with two important events: God expressing Jesus’ approval, and attack by Satan in the wilderness.

The Baptism of Jesus

In Mark 1: 9-11 we read,

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (ESV)

Mark 1: 9-11

After the Father and the Holy Spirit gave their approval of Jesus, Satan appeared right away to attack Jesus.

The Temptation of Jesus

So we read in the next few verses from Mark 1:12-13,

“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.  And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” 

Mark 1:12-13

At his baptism God opens heaven to bless Jesus. In the wilderness the devil opens fire to attack Jesus.

Satan offered Jesus the chance to win the world without pain – no nails, no blood, no cross.  Jerusalem could be his and he would not have to weep over it.  The mighty Roman Empire would be given to “Emperor Jesus”.  The choice was black and white: The long, terrible pain of the cross, or royalty and power in seconds by just bending at the waist to Satan.  

But praise God, because Jesus endured temptation and testing, he is able to help us when we face those times in our own lives:  We can lift that takeaway right out of the Bible:

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” 

Heb. 2:18.

Approval and Attack Followed by Angelic Ministration

Jesus was cut off from friends and family. But even though his companions were the wild beasts and the devil, there were also the angels.  When it seems you are all alone, you are not!  The Lord’s angels are there ministering to you in ways that you will not know until you get to Heaven: Heb. 1:14 – “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”  Better yet, the Lord himself is there! Even when you can’t see him, hear him or feel him, he is still there to help you: Here is what the Bible says: “Be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”  (Heb. 13:5).

He is in you.  He is with you.  And He will never leave you.  Isn’t that a triple-good statement?  He is in you.  He is with you.  And He will never leave you.  I have a confession.  I stole it.  From John 14:17-18.  “You know [the Spirit], for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” 

Facing Hard Times

Our Lord knows how to help those who are facing hard times!  He has been there! His trial lasted forty days and Jesus was attacked every one of those 40 days.  In a wilderness, without food, attacked by the most powerful fallen angel.

But Jesus defeated Satan and sin, not just in the desert but on a hill outside Jerusalem so that you and I can now look –

“to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2-3

Have you experienced approval and attack like Jesus did? What happened?  Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.