Mark 1:9-15 – After our Lord’s Baptism the Spirit led Him into the desert to suffer temptation at the hands of the devil. He endured the same temptations as were presented to Adam and Eve in the Garden – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as the holy Evangelist John names them. (1 John 2:16) Unlike our first parents (and us), however, He does not give into temptation, but resists the devil with the words of Holy Scripture.
Temptation is a testing of faith. Traditionally, the first Sunday in Lent deals with Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness. The beginning of Jesus’ ministry is an integral part of the baptism and temptation, for it naturally follows both. In his baptism, Jesus was called to his Messiahship. In the temptation he decided how to carry out his mission. The death of John the Baptist gives the immediate occasion for the beginning of his ministry. Mark does not tell us what the temptations were. They are symbolized by the “wild beasts” and the “wilderness.” Though Mark does not say Jesus was victorious, it can be assumed that he was because the angels continually ministered to him throughout the forty-day period.
The word used for temptation means “test.” For forty days Jesus was tested before he began his ministry. When we are tempted our faith is tested. Mark explains that Jesus was “tempted by Satan.” Many think God tempts us because we pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” This is impossible for God desires us to do only what is right and good. Another popular myth is that temptation is a sin. The truth is that yielding to temptation is sin. Every Christian is tempted, even Jesus was. In addition, may hold the opinion that the better Christian you are the less temptation you have. The opposite is the case. The better you are the more you are tempted. Temptation is a trying time requiring a spiritual struggle. It is a wilderness experience in which one fights with wild beasts.
Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of a sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, Your Son, our Lord.
Sources
A Prayer for aid against temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
The Temptation of Jesus copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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