Jesus's Baptism
In the gospel of Mark, we first meet Jesus at His own baptism, which is performed by John the Baptist (whom we read about in Mark 1:1-8).
When Jesus is baptized we're told something amazing happens - the sky bursts open and the Holy Spirit comes down onto Him in the form of a dove. Next, God’s voice calls down and not only claims Jesus as His Son, but states how very pleased He is with Him (vs. 9-11).
What does this mean for us?
We should be baptized - The Scriptures explain we should live as Jesus lived, so let’s get baptized like Jesus was. (1 John 2:6, John 13:15)
Baptism is pleasing to God - In the book of Matthew, we are given a little deeper insight into Jesus’s baptism. In Matthew 3:13-15, Jesus explains that He needs to be baptized because it is the right thing to do, and is needed in achieving full righteousness. The Scriptures say “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). So, be baptized and let our God claim you as His child (1 John 3:1-2)
Baptism is linked to receiving the Holy Spirit - Whether it’s the baptism itself, or the traits associated with being baptized (a pursuit of righteousness, cleansing yourself of your old ways, outwardly choosing God, etc.), the Scriptures indicate it's an important part of our salvation. 1 Peter 3:21 explains that baptism saves us - it's a way to come before God and urgently request He change us. What better way to help us change than offer us the Holy Spirit to direct & guide us?
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” - Jesus (Mark 16:16)
If baptism is so important, and Jesus at times linked belief & baptism together, then why don’t more churches put greater emphasis on it? It really doesn’t make sense. If you believe in Jesus and want to follow Him, move quickly to be baptized as well!
Jesus In The Wilderness
Now, what happens to Jesus in the following verses is something we should pay close attention to as His followers. The Spirit that God just sent down onto Jesus is said to have driven Him directly into the wilderness. The Scripture says He spent 40 days there in what seems to be an unglamorous setting where both Satan comes to tempt Him, and angels come to comfort/encourage Him (vs 12-13).
What can we take away from this?
God desires our quality time, so if we have His Spirit in us, we should’t be surprised when it directs us to places without distraction. Matthew 4:1-2 explains that Jesus was actually fasting while in the wilderness - a practice that is supposed to aid our communication and closeness with God.
The Spirt may lead us into trials. Enduring through trials and temptations help grow our faith, which helps perfect and complete us as followers of God, and overall leads us to the gift of everlasting life (James 1:2-4, 12). It may be hard to believe, but trials can be a blessing when looking forward to eternity!
Satan is always looking to attack and tempt us (1 Peter 5:7-8), especially when we are doing what God has called us or directed us to do. Satan also loves to attack us when we are feeling weak, or are in need.
God does not leave us on our own. Jesus was comforted by the angels in this passage, but in John 14:15-31 Jesus explains we'll have the Holy Spirit as our helper. All we need to do is love Jesus & follow His commandments.
Not only did God send us Jesus as a sacrifice, but also to give us an example that we could look at and follow during our own trials, temptations, and tribulations. He knows the pain we feel and struggles we experience on this earth (1 Peter 5:9, Hebrews 4:15).
So, what do these verses show us? They show us what to expect as followers of God, and how we can be more like Jesus!
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