Mark 1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Two things immediately strike me about today’s verses. First, in verse 11, God tells Jesus He loves Him and is well pleased simply because Jesus did the next right thing–baptism with water. He had yet to perform any miracles. He had yet to begin his ministry. And yet, God was well pleased because he was taking the right steps to begin. We can learn a lesson there.
Mark 1:10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Second, immediately after His baptism, immediately after His ministry begins in earnest, the Spirit sends him into the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by Satan. There’s no rest, no period to bask in the glory of God’s praise. The ministry begins with wilderness temptation by the devil. But even then He is not alone. He is “with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for reminding us that we are deeply, fiercely loved simply because we are Your precious children. Thank You for reminding us that it brings You joy when we do the next right thing. Thank You for reminding us that even in the wilderness, You are with us, Your angels attend us. Thank You. Amen.
Mark 1:12-13 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Have a blessed day.