Mark 1:9-15

 

·         the baptism—Some commentators treat the vision that Jesus has at the Jordan as a “call” that becomes the defining moment for Jesus’ understanding his role as son of man.  The vision confirms his uniqueness of mission by the descent of the Spirit.  The ripping open of heaven suggests that with Jesus a new interaction between the divine and human is now possible.  And the words “This is my son,” connects Jesus with the suffering servant of Isaiay, though the term derives from Ps. 2:7, where it originally referred to the Davidic dynasty.

·         the testing—Mark is not privy to or not interested in a blow by blow account of the three temptations that Luke and Matthew records.  Howe ver, Mark’s truncated version speaks its own message.  The wild beasts with Jesus have been from early on interpreted as an ante-type of Adam.   Although wild animals suggest danger, when placed next to ministering spirits suggest a peaceable kingdom, another Garden moment, where the Son of Man reverses the outcome of sin.

 

 

 

 

·         What comparisons and contrast can you make between the Adam story in Genesis and Mark’s brief thumbnail sket5ch of Jesus in the desert?

·         What theological connections can you make in Mark’s placement ofr Jesus’ baptism and his testing and the beginning of mission?

·         What was the function of water in Jesus’ baptism?

 

 

       Tell selected episodes of wilderness adventure in Scripture—Moses and Israel, Elijah, and of course, here, Jesus.  Give the word of proclamation following each story:  “As I have walked with Moses and Elijah in the wilderness, so I will be with you in your wilderness.    Jesus entered into the wilderness and emerge on the other side prepared for his mission and ministry.  As I was with “my Son, whom I love,” so I will be with you when you enter the wilderness.  I have called you at baptism, and I will walk with you as you accomplish the mission I have given you.