September 30, 2015 (Wednesday)
In his own inimitable style, Mark quickly tells us of Jesus’ baptism, his temptations in the wilderness, his preaching, his calling the first disciples, his authoritative teaching, his healing power, and his practice of prayer. Mark moves from one to the other lightning fast, leaving us breathless.
Being baptized by John was a mark of sincere piety, a sign of genuine commitment to God. Jesus was baptized so that all would know the his mission was connected to all that God had been doing among his chosen people. He was coming, not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. The sign of the dove and voice from Heaven left no doubt about the purpose of Jesus as the Messiah.
He must first be tested in the wilderness by Satan himself, who confronted him with temptations to distort the work of the Messiah and turn it into selfish ambition. Satan failed to entice the Savior to deviate from his Heavenly mission. Jesus emerged victorious.
Jesus returned from his victory over temptation and preached boldly that the kingdom of God was near, calling for repentance.
Soon he chose some of his first disciples, who abandoned their vocations and followed Jesus to learn from him. Eventually there would be 12 disciples.
Jesus went to the synagogue and spoke with authority so strong that people were amazed. He then drove out demons and healed sick people. There could be no doubt that he was the promised Deliverer of God’s people.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else–to the nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons” (Mark 1:35-39 NIV).
Mark’s gospel is clear: “The Messiah is here! Just look at what he is doing!”