First Sunday in Lent, March 9, 2003
Gen. 9:8-17; Psalm 25 or 25:3-9; 1 Pet. 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-13
The focus of the Lenten Old Testament lessons is the salvation history of Israel, as the “presupposition, preparation for and in some respects a prefigurement of the redemptive act of God in Christ” (Reginald Fuller). The epistle lessons emphasize the cross or “the believer’s participation in salvation through baptism” (Fuller). The gospel lessons begin in Mark, and then are followed up by a series from John, containing predictions of Christ’s death on the cross.
If Mark 1:11 sounds familiar, it is because it was included in the gospel reading on Jan. 12. However, this lesson includes the temptation narrative. Certainly an intriguing aspect of Mark’s account is the phrase quoted above, “the Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness.” We have a high point in Jesus’ baptism, followed by God’s affirmation, “You are my beloved Son…” That is followed by 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan. There is no time for a baptismal reception, for the Lord is thrust into conflict with Satan. Thus, the same Spirit which anointed Jesus leads him into temptation — the very thing we ask the Lord to keep from us. This shows that the preacher who tries to move directly from the narrative to present-day application is going to have trouble. Are we to expect the same kind of experience as Jesus? Of course not. The first thing we need to ask of the text is not what it says to me, but what it says about Jesus. And it says a lot. For the imagery of Jesus being thrust into the wilderness is reminiscent of the scapegoat loaded down with the sins of Israel and expelled into the wilderness (Lev. 16:21).
Jesus is said to be “tempted by Satan” in the passive voice, indicating that Jesus is the subject of this temptation. Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, now must determine whether or not he uses his divine Sonship for ministry or whether he will succumb to Satan’s wiles (as described by Matthew and Luke.)
The temptation establishes “the free, sovereign agency of Jesus, who like all human agents, must choose to make God’s will his own” (James Edwards, Commentary on Mark).
In Genesis, the Lord renews the covenant with Noah. The basis of the covenant is God’s promise to Noah, which in this case includes a promise not to destroy “all flesh.” The promise is renewed and made clearer with the coming of Abraham. However, already we see the Lord entering into relationship with Noah and his family based on his mercy and grace. The promise of the Lord is made new in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus, his mighty works, his death and resurrection, establishing the New Covenant.
Look It Up
What is the basis of the plea in Psalm 25:6? Is it any different in the New Testament? See Hebrews 4:16
Think About It
“Lead us not into temptation.” Notice how different that is from today's gospel in which Jesus is driven into the wilderness to face temptation.
Next Sunday
Second Sunday in Lent, March 16, 2003
Gen. 22:1-14; Psalm 16 or 16:5-11; Rom. 8:31-39; Mark 8:31-38
