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Mark writes the beginning of this gospel in a condensed way. In the first 20 verses, he wrote about the prophecy by Isaiah, John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus, the temptation in the wilderness, and the calling of the disciples.
What caught my attention the most is the 12th verse: “At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness”. Just before that, we read: “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” - Mark 1:11 (NIV).
It is hard for me to understand why the Holy Spirit sent Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted. That was just after a voice from heaven said that Jesus was the beloved child whom God the Father would be pleased with. This Bible verse may have the answer: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” - Hebrews 12:7 (NIV).
Indeed we have hardships too. However, we are also the children of God. The Bible provides us with this verse from Hebrews: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV).
This verse reassures us: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).
Oh, my Father in heaven. Great is your faithfulness!
Hymn: Great is They Faithfulness by Women of Faith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-HszBrTGfA
Reflection on Mark 1:1-20 by Machiko Nakamura
(Listen to the Podcast here)
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