“Forty Days—or, whatever it takes…”

March 9, 2003

First Sunday of Lent

Mark 1:9-15

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

12 Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.

14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

Mark 1:9

[9] And it came about in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

1.       As with the totality of Jesus’ life—he did not live for his sake—but for ours. He was not baptized because he needed to repent—but because we needed to see that even the Son of God bowed before his Father. Jesus certainly did not have reason to repent for his own sin. Yet, he came as the perfect example of the obedient servant. The sin he bore was ours and he showed us that repentance was the first step to an honest relationship with God (and there is no other kind of relationship with him). Baptism is a choice of humility before God and community. Jesus was baptized to show us humility and to lead us into personal repentance.

2.       It was the public beginning of his ministry;

Why did Jesus wait so long before beginning his public ministry?

Primarily because Jesus was on God’s timing. He could not begin until he was called. Before Jesus’ star would rise, he had to be preceded by a “voice crying in the wilderness.” As a friend of mine said to me yesterday; “John had to be born first, preach first, and die first.”

There are many scholars who believe that Jesus had an earthly, personal task needing attention prior to his public ministry; the responsibility of his mother and family. Some theologians believe that Jesus had older step-siblings through a previous marriage by Joseph. Other scholars suggest that Jesus had younger siblings by Mary and Joseph. Whatever the case, we know that Jesus did have siblings; “Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to you [Matt 12:47].”

I find fault with the concept that Jesus had to remain home until his family was financially stable. That would imply that he asked of others what he would not do himself. For frequently, Jesus tells followers to leave everything and follow him “NOW!”

Luke 9:58-62

58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air {have} nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 And another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Would Jesus command us to do what he would not do himself? Yet, even more—although following Jesus is often difficult—the Lord always provides for his people. I have mentioned this before in our studies. God’s provision is always “strength for the journey”—but he also transforms us so that we desire only “enough for the journey.” Our needs are met—but they must be simplified and refined for his service.

Finally, there is an overarching joy that accompanies reliance upon the Lord. Until recently, I have never been able to name this occurrence accurately. Only in becoming a missionary who is completely reliant upon him have I understood the fullness of complete reliance. Every meal I take is provided by his hand. I suspect that—in the back of my mind—I used to somehow think that I brought home my salary and the Lord did the “stuff on the side.”

Now, I realize that he is the provider of all my needs and he can even be the source of all my desires. “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart [Psalm 37:4].” The Lord doesn’t necessarily give us the “things” we desire; but he actually gives us the desires themselves! And, the closer we venture into him—the more we desire only him! Until we find ourselves desiring only to want his will.

3.       It affirmed John’s work; “Tradition is not salvation!”

Another reason that Jesus chose to be baptized by John was to affirm John’s mission. Remember, by baptizing Jews and not just converts, John was virtually saying: “The law is perfect—but you are not. You cannot count on tradition, ritual or heredity—you need the Messiah.”

Through John’s baptism, Jesus was affirming John’s message and receiving the baton for his portion of the race. It was Christ’s turn to run his leg. Let me make an additional comment here so that no one thinks that Christ ran the final leg. We need to remember that Jesus passed the baton on to us. It is now time for the church to do her lap. Are we sprinting our portion? Are we running as compelled by Paul? Are we focused on the prize or sidelined by encumbrances and distractions?

1 Cor 9:24

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but {only} one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (NAS)

Heb 12:1

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (NAS)

We cannot run while sitting in a pew. If that is where we think the race is; then we are horribly wrong. That is supposed to be more like the trainer’s table where we go to have our muscles repaired and our focus refined. Our prize lies ahead and is available to all who leave behind this world’s encumbrances for the next world’s glory:

Mark 10:28-30

28 Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.”

29 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30 but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. (NAS)

Mark 1:10-11

[10] And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; [11] and a voice came out of the heavens: “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased.”

Heaven to the Hebrew

The word Heaven [HSN8064, shamayim and GSN3772, ouranos], could almost be summed up as “transcendence.” Heaven to the Hebrew was literally the lofty sky above them [Gen 1:8] where the stars were located [Gen 1:14] and from where the dew emanated [Gen 27:28]. To the Hebrew, there were three realms: the heavens, the earth and the deep. God dwells in heaven above [Gen 28:17], man toils on earth [Gen 1:26] that was corrupted by man:

Gen 6:11-12

Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

Below earth (the deep from where all monsters and demons come) is Sheol [Job 11:8], the place of sorrow and permanent distance from God.

The Greek translation of heaven is ouranos [GSN3772], which is less a place than an occurrence. It still involves the concept of “up”, but it means being lifted up. In fact, the root words of ouranos [GSN3772] are airo [GSN142] and ornis [GSN3733]. Airo is a term that means to lift up or carry away, but it was also used for “to weigh anchor” (to get started on a voyage). Ornis was used for a bird that was lifting into the air.

There is significant biblical evidence that heaven is a place that exists, but also the presence of God in our existence. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament tell us that Heaven is the manifestation of God.

Jacob names the place where he experiences God, Beyth-’El [HSN1008].

Gen 28:16-17

16                 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.”

17                 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

This word is a combination of terms which means both the “the mighty House of God” and, even more, the “the mighty People of God” (remember, originally the House of God, meant the People or Tribe of God). However, “mighty” did not mean warlike; it meant the ability to protect your children. The House of God is mighty when the children are protected there. Heaven is, in fact, the place where the gate between God and his people opens and his love flows forth to gather his people.

Isaiah 66:13

As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.

John (the writer of Revelation) similarly experiences God as the moment when the bride (the church) is ready to receive her husband (Jesus)—that “moment” is the New Jerusalem, a time where God and his people coexist in perfect unity. It is when—not where—the “tabernacle (Jesus) is among men” and sorrow is abolished.

Rev 21:2-4

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be {any} death; there shall no longer be {any} mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Jesus tells us that heaven is available to us because of his work on the cross:

John 14:2-4

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, {there} you may be also. “And you know the way where I am going.”

The secret of heaven can be found in the statement; “That where I am, you may be also.” Twice, Jesus tells us that Heaven is the very name (meaning character) of God:

Luke 15:18

I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.’”

John 3:27

John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven.

Finally, Jesus himself declares that he is the Kingdom and the Kingdom is at hand.

Matt 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Mark 1:15

And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

To ask; “Where is heaven?” Is to respond; “Where is Jesus?”

What we begin to understand is that we don’t just “go to heaven” (or hell); heaven (or hell) is willing to come to us. Heaven is the presence of God; hell is the absence. The Kingdom is available to us “on earth as it is in heaven”—joy or sorrow come to us based upon our choices! However, we should not diminish the “Kingdom of Heaven” which will only be available to us in its fullness at the end of this life. In that Kingdom, delusion and sorrow will be cast away from us—we will know the Kingdom without earthly confusion—unmitigated.  Demons (manipulators is the translation) will be cast out (see the story of Dives and Lazarus). At that time, the kingdom will be both place and presence. God dwelling within and without; in and around; heaven revealed.

However, we must always remember that we won’t see that Kingdom someday—if our eyes are not attuned to it today. Our greatest question must be; “Does the Kingdom flow from within me today?”

The heaven that was revealed

Jesus saw heaven revealed. The verb “to see” [GSN1492, eido] was not limited to sight. To truly “see” was to “know”; which is the primary use of this verb. King James sometimes translates this word as “behold! [GSN2400, idou]” It is used when something of great significance is revealed to common man.

It is as if John was telling us in this sentence; “Heaven (God’s purpose) was opened (clearly revealed) to his Son!”

There are three schools of thought regarding the foreknowledge of Jesus and his mission.

1.       He knew his call from birth;

In this school of thought, Jesus knew from birth that the cross and resurrection lay ahead of him.

2.       His call was revealed to him at baptism.

Scholars of this view purport that Jesus did not know he was the Son of God until it was revealed to him at baptism.

3.       He was aware of his special closeness to God but his mission unfolded to him as he grew;

This school of thought believes that Jesus knew that he had a significant relationship with God—but did not understand the totality of the call until he embarked upon his public ministry.

The “hidden years” of Jesus (following his Bar Mitzvah to age 30) are auspiciously missing from all of the Gospels. Those of us who work with troubled youth would love to know a little bit more about the teenage Jesus. Luke gives us more information than anyone in this story of Jesus’ youth:

Luke 2:48-52

And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.”

And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in My father’s {house?”} And they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all {these} things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

There is a hint of adolescent anti-dependence to this reading. Clearly, Joseph and Mary are less than pleased that Jesus stayed behind without telling anyone. Joseph and Mary (who would be traveling in a large group) did not notice his absence until they were probably a night’s travel from Jerusalem. Scurrying back, they ask Jesus directly; “Why have you treated us this way?”

Jesus doesn’t apologize; he merely states that he is exactly where he is supposed to be. The tone of his statement almost suggests that he is reminding his earthly parents of his true identity; “Didn’t you know?”

Why Jesus left the temple and went back with his parents to carpentry and obscurity in Nazareth is only evident in the statement; “He continued in subjection to them.”

“Honor thy father and thy mother [Deut 5:16].” Jesus lived honorably in subjection to his earthly parents until he heard the call of his heavenly Father through the voice of John. Yet, there is a quiet sub-story here that we must follow. The best schools were in Jerusalem, so were the best teachers, it was the most obvious route to religious and political advancement. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary leave him? Certainly there was someone among those in the temple that would recognize Jesus’ potential and become his mentor.

There can really only be one response; children are the social security of the poor in developing countries. Joseph and Mary needed Jesus in the family business. Would Jesus have rather stayed debating in Jerusalem? We will have to wait to ask him. Still, this is yet another mark of the richness of our God’s blessing. Raised with calloused hands, in the hotbed of Galilee, God taught Jesus in the school of the common man. In Jerusalem, Jesus would learn exclusivity. In his father’s workshop, he would learn humility and hard labor. Jesus knew the meaning of a day’s hard labor. He knew sacrifice for family. He was not raised on pillows and bon bons. Jesus was a hard-working, highly-respected “craftsman,” educated by God in the hardships of life.

Blessing the choice; not the works

Galilee was a hotbed of political unrest and religious ambivalence. Her roads looked out upon the “Way of the Kings,” where most of the major battles in Israel’s history were fought. Galilee was always the first into battle and the last out of slavery. Geographic positioning made it stand out like a prominent nose on a first-time boxer. When Israel became belligerent—Galilee got punched.

This is where the character of Jesus was fashioned. From the hills near Nazareth, Jesus would be able to see the Roman Galleys making their way around the Mediterranean (without compasses—no one would go across the sea). He would see the caravans coming from the eastern tip of the world to trade for the exotic goods of deep Africa and mysterious Egypt. God picked a home for Jesus where all cultures would cross and a time when all roads, east and west, north and south would intersect near a speck of spit and dust called Galilee. God’s place and timing were perfect.

Yet, Galilee was also known for its hotheads. This is where the Zealots hid. Yet, when things got hot for the Lord down in Judea, Jesus would also circle north through this area to buy more time to teach his disciples. Even Galileans looked down on Galileans. Notice that when Jesus establishes his call—his fellow Nazarenes declare him blasphemous; “After all, he’s one of us!”

Jesus knew the core of the trials that were faced by the “Chosen People.” He was tempered at the tip of Israel’s sword. Yet, if Galilee was the tip of the sword, Jerusalem was the seat of her castigation. Jesus would have gone there on multiple occasions. He would have seen what Rome had done. The main road into Jerusalem was often lined with Jewish patriots who had tested Rome’s authority.

All of this to say; Jesus knew exactly what he was stepping into when he chose to be baptized by John.

What makes someone leave an established, though obscure, life to invite the hatred of this world upon himself? Why would Francis choose to leave his wealthy father’s business and enter a life of complete poverty? What made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. walk out from behind his pulpit to instead pastor a nation through racism when death would so obviously be his companion? What would entice Archbishop Oscar Romero to step outside of the comfort of the fold and become the people’s bishop instead of a political pawn?

Like Jesus, each of these people knew that a violent death was a present reality. At some point in time, each of them would have realized that martyrdom was more a matter of time then a matter of chance. Yet, with each passing day, they each took one more halting step towards the brink.

For Francis; it was handing his clothes to the Bishop of Assisi and setting out to live among lepers. For King; it was the first time his house was bombed. For Romero; it was choosing to lead the liturgy when he had been warned that he was the target of a Nicaraguan death squad.

Jesus himself would have known (when he stepped into the Jordan) that he was placing himself squarely in the path of death. It was more than the looming warship of Rome bearing down upon him or the entrenched politics of Jerusalem festering like a leprous wound. Jesus knew that he had stepped in between man and his determined march towards the hypnotic enticement of pure evil.

On that day, when the Glory of God split the sky; Jesus was not blessed for what he had done; he had just begun his ministry. He was blessed for the decision he made; for what he left behind; for what lay ahead. He was blessed for his decision to be faithful. This is a critical concept to understanding the Way of The Cross!

God does not bless us for our accomplishments—he blesses us for our choices. After all, what earthly riches were given to Francis, King, Romero or even Jesus that they didn’t gladly leave behind? One could have been a wealthy businessman, another would have been a respected and comfortable pastor, Romero might have made Cardinal; if they had just played it safe. And Jesus… well, he could have been a respected and comfortable craftsman. If they had just stayed out of harm’s way…

God blesses the decision; for God is not about results—he is about faithfulness.

The blessing we live for and die without

There is no greater blessing than the words that were heard upon that day; “This is my beloved son; in whom I am well-pleased.”

With passion, I tell you that I have never met a person who is struggling with life that is not truly struggling with this statement; the lack of this blessing. We each desperately hunger to be dearly loved for who we are—not for our position or our possessions.

All the hatred that I have seen, all the crimes, all the anger, all the sorrow in life seems to come back to a lack of this blessing; “You are my beloved child—in whom I am well-pleased.”

My dearest friends, there is no greater core to the Gospel than this; God loves you already—he is standing at the fence waiting for you to come home:

Luke 15:20

20     And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion {for him,} and ran and embraced him, and kissed him.

Psychologists tell us that we always seek the approval of the parent who loves us the least. I have seen that palpable suffering on the face of thieves, prostitutes, drug dealers—but also executives, attorneys, and clergy. All of us have felt this hunger—and all of us have sought to satiate that hunger in places where it cannot be filled.

God can fill it. He is hungry to quench our greatest thirst. With his hand to his lips, he bends to our ear. He is longing to whisper; “You are my beloved child—in you I am well-pleased.”

Yet, we must bend our will to his in response. We must make the choice that Jesus made as he left behind the tools of a carpenter in Nazareth and took up the nails of an outcast in Jerusalem.

Can you hear the cry of John; “Repent and be saved.” If you have been testing the waters of life with your toe—it is time to stop. Let us dive into the frigid stream—let it awaken us from the stupor of this tepid world. Let’s dive in at the feet of repentance. “I want to re-open, Lord!”

Let him fill you with a love that will not be found in this world because it is not of this world. Bathe in the abundant knowledge that “You are God’s beloved!”

Mark 1:12

[Mark 1:12] And immediately the Spirit impelled Him {to go} out into the wilderness. (NAS)

Shoved into the ring

There is a dramatic change in context between verses Mark 1:11 and verse 12.  In verse 11; God speaks words of incredible love and acceptance; And a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” [Mk 1:11]  With that stated, the Holy Spirit suddenly appears with forceful emphasis.  The Spirit 'impels' Jesus to go to the desert.  The word impel [GSN154, ekballo], is used for vigorously throwing something or someone out of your presence. Look at four of the other times that Mark uses this word.

1.       He uses it most frequently for when Jesus would cast out demons;

Mark 1:34

[Mark 1:34] And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was. (NAS)

2.       Jesus uses it when he sternly warned the healed leper to keep his mouth shut;

Mark 1:43

[Mark 1:43] And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away. (NAS)

3.       Jesus' response to sin is to tell us to violently get rid of it's cause;

Mark 9:47

[Mark 9:47] "And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell." (NAS)

4.       It is the word that is used when Jesus violently chases temple abusers out of their stalls;

Mark 11:15

[Mark 11:15] And they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who were selling doves. (NAS)

Can you see the context?  The Spirit adamantly, violently, shoves Jesus into the desert; why?

Have you ever had to give a little push to someone you loved?  Perhaps you knew they could accomplish the near-impossible; but they were unsure.  They had the ability for greatness but lacked the initial confidence to take that first step; they had not yet been tried (the root word of temptation).

Jesus needed to be tried (tempted) in order for his ministry to be thoroughly clarified.  Yet, it was hard – even for the Son of God – to willingly walk into Satan's lair and call him out.  All three synoptic Gospels speak of Jesus being forcibly sent by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by Satan.  Matthew uses the word anago [GSN321], which is a term used for a ship that is launched on its maiden voyage. 

Matthew 4:1

[Matt 4:1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (NAS)

Luke uses the word, ago [GSN71], which means to be driven or induced.

Luke 4:1

[Luke 4:1] And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness. (NAS)

Mark is showing us that we must never think that the life of Jesus was any less difficult than ours because he was the Son of God.  In almost every way, Jesus’ life was harder.  Why?  Because at any point he knew that he could (if he desired) wash his hands clean of our filth and deal with us as we truly deserved:

Matt 26:52-54

[Matt 26:52] Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. [53] "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? [54] "How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?" (NAS)

What we see here is a very real picture of the suffering of Jesus.  The task he faced was huge, humanly impossible.  The first step of that task was more than most humans could bear – he had to go toe-to-toe with The Temptor himself.  With great emphasis, the Holy Spirit ‘impels’ (shoves) Jesus into the ring.  From the very start, the act of fulfilling the role of the Suffering Messiah was laden with extremely difficult choices.  What is plainly revealed to us in this scripture is that Jesus himself:

·         Frequently underwent intense temptation;

·         Relied upon the Holy Spirit for direction;

·         Made the difficult choice to be a suffering servant and not a ruling tyrant.

Now, let us look at what Jesus was teaching us by confronting temptation head-on.

The purpose of temptation

Remember that none of the disciples was present to witness this event.  The only way that we could be aware of its occurrence is that Jesus felt it was important enough to tell to the disciples.  However – if you are going to raise shepherds and not sheep – you need to give them tools for dealing with wolves.  Jesus teaches us this ‘inner lesson’ of temptation for three reasons:

1.       So that we understand it is part of the healthy Christian walk;

We needn’t be ashamed of being tempted – temptation is not sin.  It is the when we succumb to temptation and sin that we should experience sorrow.  In fact, the stronger the temptations in your life – the greater the threat you have become to Satan.  If the greatest temptation in our life is resisting the urge to go to community on Sunday morning – then we know that we are ineffective.  However, if our greatest temptation is to resist riches, power or adulation – then we know that Satan truly fears our growth in Christ.

2.       So that we understand that we are not a victim of temptation – but can be victorious by responding through the Holy Spirit in the face of temptation;

As we just covered, temptation will increase if we are developing a deeper and more profound relationship with God.  Yet, every temptation is meant to be a reminder of God’s omnipresent power in all circumstances.

3.       So that we can examine how the Son of God deals perfectly with the Temptor.

In our study of Matthew 4:1-25 (available on our website), we find that Jesus deals with temptation much the same as we teach children to deal with saying ‘no’ to negative peer pressure.  Only we know that the true secrets to resisting temptations are strong spiritual disciplines and constantly turning to God in trial.  Public schools will not allow us to teach this critical aspect (which is why teaching kids to ‘just say no’ has been so ineffective).  We, who wish to raise shepherds not sheep, must be more fervent about teaching ‘temptation resistance 101’ in Christian education.  Here’s what we can learn from Christ’s resistance:

Step One:          Turn to God;

Step Two:         Name the sin;

Step Three:        Turn to the Word and prayer for power;

Step Four:         Seek an alternative action;

Step Five:          Don’t keep standing around – GO!

The word temptation [GSN3985, peirazo] is revealing by itself.  It means to test, examine, prove or discipline.  God alone allows Satan to tempt us – and never beyond our ability to overcome (with his help)!  Though Satan may believe he is stealing souls through temptation; God understands that temptation can refine and strengthen us – it can discipline us.

By Christ’s act of faith and example in the face of temptation we learn that:

·         Satan cannot tempt us without God’s approval;

·         Temptation falls upon everyone – Jesus chose to deal with it right up front;

·         Temptation (when approached through the Holy Spirit) can clarify ministry and certainly helps us understand where we are weak and vulnerable to attack.

Yet, temptation is not something we should seek!

Matthew 6:13

[Matt 6:13] 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.]' (NAS)

Remember, Jesus himself had to be ‘impelled’ (shoved) into the ring with Satan.  It is foolishness for us to ‘taunt’ Satan, for he is a very powerful and effective enemy.  Our defense is not in our pride – but in our humility.  As a friend of mine says; “When Satan knocks at your door – send Jesus to answer.”

Learning to deal with temptation is learning to rely more and more deeply upon the Lord.  Indeed, there are specific actions that you can make – spiritual exercises – which will strengthen your ability to deal with temptation.  Each of these exercises is not designed to increase your strength in the face of temptation – but to increase your reliance and mindfulness of the Spirit’s presence in the midst of temptation.  You can deal with temptation through:

1.       Prayer and fasting;

2.       Acts of service and humility; and

3.       Intentionally simplifying your life.

These actions will add incredible depth to your relationship with Jesus if you combine them with the spiritual disciplines of: A) Consistent study of God’s word; B) Being a contributing part of a Christian community that engages you and holds you accountable to the way of Christ; C) Holding to a life of habitual prayer; and D) choosing humility by serving the least of these.

It is the consistent practice of these disciplines that help us to be able to stand firm and resist the temptations of the Evil One:

James 4:7-10

[James 4:7] Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. (NAS)

1 Peter 5:8-11

[1 Pet 5:8] Be of sober {spirit,} be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] But resist him, firm in {your} faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. [10] And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen {and} establish you. [11] To Him {be} dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NAS)

Yet, it is important to remember that the strength of the Holy Spirit is reinforced in community.  We need not and should not confront temptation alone.  It is in our best interest to have an engaging group of Christ-centered people with whom we can share our needs and hold each other accountable to our walk with Christ.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

[Eccl 4:9] Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. [10] For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. [11] Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm {alone?} [12] And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three {strands} is not quickly torn apart. (NAS)

Even as I write this I feel humbled that God has placed such people in my life; including my wife.  I am blessed by the men and women who accompany me to jails, homeless shelters and who pray and support our ministry on a constant basis.  God bless each of you – and, with all humility, thank you!

Let’s never stop going deeper with God!  Most of us never taste His sweet presence at a level that is all-encompassing.  That is like driving by the Grand Canyon without looking at it because you already have ‘the postcard’.  Stop the car!  Get out! Climb on the back of an eagle and go for it!

Isaiah 40:31

[Isa 40:31] Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up {with} wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (NAS)

Angels waited upon him

We need to be aware of two truths behind the easily-overlooked statement that angels attended Jesus:

·         They came in response to Christ’s resistance of temptation – they did not come to make it ‘easier’ for Jesus to say; “No,” to the Temptor.

·         Their presence was not a unique response only available to the Son of God!  Angels are standing in the wings (bad pun, sorry) waiting to assist those who would resist temptation.

We need to avail ourselves of the unique forces that are present to fight any spiritual battle.

The word to wait upon [GSN1247, diakoneo] appears for the first time in this text of Mark and he uses it twice in his very first chapter.  It means to ‘be an attendant’, to ‘wait menially as a host’ or ‘to serve’.  In time, it became the word used to define the role of a deacon in the church.  To be a deacon was not a position of prestige – but an attitude of ultimate humility!  Angels can be looked upon as powerful spiritual deacons that are available to all who endeavor to walk in Christ’s path:

Psalm 91:9-12

[Ps 91:9] For you have made the LORD, my refuge, {even} the Most High, your dwelling place. [10] No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. [11] For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. (NAS)

Matthew 18:10

[Matt 18:10] “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (NAS)

Luke 15:10

[Luke 15:10] “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NAS)

The more we know about God, our Lord and the spiritual forces, the more we should be stunned at the support available to us to fight every spiritual battle:

Ephesians 6:12-13

[Eph 6:12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} [13] Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (NAS)

Romans 8:37-39

[Rom 8:37] But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NAS)

Mark 1:13

[Mark 1:13] And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. (NAS)

The wilderness

The wilderness [GSN2048, eremos] went by many names; it was the ‘lonesome’ the ‘wasteland’, and even the ‘place of the devil’.  There was not just one wasteland and the term was applied to any place that could not grow crops; any place that was not productive!  This is an important clue to Satan’s work in our lives.  For if we are not producing fruit – we can be sure that we are not in God’s garden (however, it is important to remember that, to Christ, fruit is not about numbers of conversions or members – it is about attitudes of humility and service).

Luke 6:43-48

[Luke 6:43] “For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. [44] “For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. [45] “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil {man} out of the evil {treasure} brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. [46] “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? [47] “Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like: [48] he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (NAS)

Galations 5:19-26

[Gal 5:19] Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, [21] envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [26] Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (NAS)

Satan lurks in the wilderness of our life that is not producing fruit.  Unless we are extremely dead to the Lord, we know the unproductive wastelands; the areas of busy-ness, gossip, lust, the unforgiving character, the control freak; all of those areas that are not dedicated to serving Christ and setting others free from this world’s bondage; the areas where we exist for taking rather than for giving.  Those are the wastelands where we must call upon the power of our Lord.  Our Lord modeled for us the importance of going directly to that wilderness and calling upon the power of the Holy Spirit to be our stream in the desert.

Isaiah 32:2

[Isa 32:2] Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. (NIV)

What part of my life is a wasteland?  What part of my life is holding my spiritual growth hostage?  What part of my life keeps me from fully joining with the Holy Spirit in complete power?  We can trust that Jesus Christ – who did not shirk from his own confrontation in the wasteland – will not shirk from going with us into our wasteland.  He will cast out what is fruitless, empty and wasted in our lives.  It is not easy work; it requires prayer and fasting to pin back the enemy:

Matthew 17:14-21

[Matt 17:14] And when they came to the multitude, a man came up to Him, falling on his knees before Him, and saying, [15] "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic, and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. [16] "And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him." [17] And Jesus answered and said, "O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me." [18] And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. [19] Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" [20] And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you. [21] ["But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."] (NAS)

Yet, it is Jesus who will fill our wasteland with the sweetest fruit and our deserts with living water, the emptiness into a garden of beauty and hope.

Isaiah 35:1-10

1          The wilderness and the desert will be glad, and the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; like the crocus

2          It will blossom profusely and rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.

3          Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.

4          Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come {with} vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you."

5          Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

6          Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness and streams in the Arabah.

7          And the scorched land will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass {becomes} reeds and rushes.

8          And a highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, but it {will} be for him who walks {that} way, and fools will not wander {on it}

9          No lion will be there, nor will any vicious beast go up on it; these will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk {there}

10         And the ransomed of the LORD will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (NAS)

Forty days

Four and ‘ten times four’ are considered sacred (cardinal) numbers to the Jew.  Cardinal means chief as in the ‘Chief Virtues’ described in the Book of Wisdom (written about 100 years before Christ): “Or if one loves justice, the fruits of her works are virtues; For she teaches moderation and prudence, justice and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful for men than these.” [Wisdom 8:7]

Whenever you see the term four or forty in the bible, the implication means wholeness.  To say ‘forty days’ or ‘forty years’ is like saying; “It was exactly as long as God needed to do his full and abundant work.”

·         Forty days was the number of days Moses awaited the tablets on Mount Tabor:

Exodus 24:18

[Exod 24:18] And Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. (NAS)

·         It was the number of days that Moses fasted for the people's sin

Deuteronomy 9:18

[Deut 9:18] "And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you had committed in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger. (NAS)

·         It was the amount of time Elijah waited for God's clarity on Mount Tabor:

I Kings 19:8

[IKing 19:8] So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. (NAS)

·         Forty days was the length of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness:

Mark 1:13

[Mark 1:13] And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. (NAS)

·         Forty days was the length of Jesus' visible ascension

Acts 1:3

[Acts 1:3] To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over {a period of} forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. (NAS)

We have just entered the forty days of lent.  The word ‘lent’ means spring [Middle English lente springtime, Lent; from Old English lencten; akin to Old High German lenzin, spring].  In the liturgical calendar, lent is the forty days beginning at Ash Wednesday and continuing up to Easter.  It is a time designated in most traditions for fasting and preparing our hearts for the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

The intent behind fasting is not that we give up something for God – indeed it is quite the opposite.  In truth, there is nothing more ‘self-centering’ than fasting; we fast not to ‘give up’ but to ‘get closer’ to God.  Fasting exposes our temptations and presents ourselves in weak humility to the Lord.  The hunger that we physically feel is a reminder of the spiritual hunger we should have for God.  In the mystery of this special and powerful form of prayer; we see the revelation of the ‘upside-down’ kingdom.  In our physical hunger, we find spiritual fulfillment; in our humility, we find God’s power.  Fasting is ‘a purposeful time of hunger’ that realigns us to our Creator.

To the life of each follower, Christ has ‘a purposeful time of hunger’ in mind for our growth.  It is our ‘forty days’; a time of waiting ‘exactly as long as it takes’ to do his full and abundant work.  Many of us are totally alien to the concept of ‘giving up to get closer’ as we have lived our lives in a culture of ‘getting more to cover over’ our hunger and emptiness.  The concept that giving up and giving away is what leads to fullness and joy seems foolish.  We have a hard time understanding why someone would purposely go into their own wilderness – purposely examine the emptiness where they are spiritually hungry, empty and unproductive. 

Most in our culture would not make such a choice unless it was an act of final desperation and emptiness; we are broke, we are terribly ill, we face an immense loss, we confront our own mortality.  Yet, when you are in fringe ministry (jails, rest homes, homeless shelters, etcetera) you see desperation and emptiness as constant companions.  The word ‘companion’ means to share bread – as Francis of Assisi might say; you share bread with Brother Pain, with Brother Sorrow, with Brother Death.  And, that is precisely where Christ becomes most real – most tangible.  It is a time filled with God’s presence; Angels are sent out to minister to us!  How long has it been since you have given God forty days (as long as it takes) to work on your life?  Perhaps this lent – these forty days – would be the perfect time to start.

Mark 1:14-15

[Mk 1:14] Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The Time is Fulfilled

At long last, the hope of ages had stepped forth.  The Living Word, carried in the womb of Judaism had sprung forth his wings into the encrusted crucible of Israel.  In heaven, a mighty proclamation was sounded.  On earth, a craftsman left his tools on a table and invited four fishermen to do likewise with their nets.

“The time is fulfilled [GSN4134 pleroo].”  You might also use this term if you were going to say; “the long engagement is ended the groom has come for the bride.”  It could also be used for a woman who, at the end of a long pregnancy, is finally having her baby.  In addition, one might use it to say a debt has been paid or an indenture fulfilled (an agreement where a person or a family member would be sold into servitude until a debt or crime was repaid).

Who would have imagined that the “fulfillment” could only be attained upon the arrest of the great prophet, John?  Instead, far more would have thought; “Is this how the mission of John ends? A refreshing word finally spilled into our lives after all these years of barren wind and he winds up arrested at the whim of Herod’s lust. What chance do we have if even our greatest voices are silenced by the most contemptible of kings?  God has forgotten us.”

Yet, salvation could not come a day before it’s time.  That would be like giving the bride her wedding ring during the engagement; it would never mean as much as when it was placed upon her finger during the wedding ceremony.  Timing is critical in almost every aspect of life and joy is rarely diminished by waiting.  We must trust to God’s timing in order to receive God’s fullness.

Are we aware of and willing to wait upon God’s timing? Would we be able to see the arrest of John as a sign that we were just “one step nearer” to the great fulfillment?  Can I take the pain of my life and see it in such terms?

“Fulfilled”; it is one of the richest words of the New Testament and one of the greatest words to all mankind.

Youth Supplement

Mark 1:12

And immediately the Spirit impelled Him {to go} out into the wilderness [Mark 1:12].”

Uncomfortable love

Love often comes in very strange forms.  Most of us like the type of comfortable love that is supportive and caring.  The type of love that sounds like: “Hey, you’re doing a great job.”  “You’re fantastic.”  “You’re the greatest.”

What we like less is the type of love that says the uncomfortable stuff like; “I know you well enough to know you can do better.”

Most of us would rather hang out with people who love us on that first level – the comfortable level.  But, our growth occurs when we hang out with people who love us on that second level –the uncomfortable love.  They are the ones who love us enough to expect the best from us.

A lot of the kids and adults that I work with initially do not like me very much.  I listen deeply to their needs, I am compassionate with their sorrows, but I am confronting about their cop-outs.  When someone says; “I’m bored.”  I usually say; “No, you’re boring.  It’s not life’s job to entertain you.”  When someone says; “It’s not my fault I am here (in prison, detention, etc.).  I say; “It’s not about fault – it’s about your being here now.  What are you going to do about being here now?”

I try to be subtle, sort of like a velvet-covered brick, but the truth is I usually only have a few days or even minutes to reach someone’s heart.  I have found that cop-outs are like demons – they don’t go away if you ignore them – they just get stronger.  Though it would be easier to give in – I find myself constantly asking; “Do I love this person enough to be honest with them?”

Holy Spirit Love

A strange and amazing thing happens in this Gospel reading.  The Holy Spirit impels Jesus to go into the wilderness.  The word Mark uses for ‘impel’ means to ‘forcibly push’ someone away.  The Holy Spirit forcibly pushed Jesus into the wilderness.  Why?  As I studied this passage, I began to realize that the wilderness where Jesus went was not a place that any of us would prefer to spend time.  It was a very uncomfortable place – even more uncomfortable if you knew that you would be confronting Satan there!

You see, the wilderness was defined as any place that was not productive – that didn’t bear crops or fruit.  The Holy Spirit loved Jesus enough to ‘push him’ to examine the unproductive places.  It was in the wilderness that Jesus learned that living for pleasure, popularity or power was fruitless.  That’s a hard lesson for anyone to confront.  That is the type of lesson that only someone who loves you is willing to share.

Cop-outs are wildernesses; they are unproductive places.  Staying where I am most comfortable is an unproductive wilderness.  Going out to serve Christ – especially where he is needed the most – demands that I leave behind both my cop-outs and my comfort zone.  That’s uncomfortable love – that’s Holy Spirit love.

Do you hang around people who love you enough to be honest with you when you are making cop-outs or getting too comfortable?  Do you love others with that same depth and honesty?  Not the easy love that lets you remain at your level of comfort – but the tough love that challenges us to grow. 

That’s Holy Spirit love. 

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2005 Jerry Goebel. All Rights Reserved.  This study may be freely distributed, as long as it bears the following attribution: Source: Jerry Goebel: 2005 © http://onefamilyoutreach.com.

“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, (C) Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988.  Used by permission.” 

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