5 GET READY F O O T ================================
- H O L D
READING
5 GET READY
PRAY Prepare my mind to hear your word today, Lord God.
READ Mark 1:1-13.
THINK What does this passage teach us about the Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit? —————————————————————– FOCUS In order to get the most out of the selections from Mark’s Gospel we will need not simply to understand what is said, but to relive the events and try to feel the emotions and attitudes of the people involved. This will mean using our imaginations under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – not to add to God’s word but to bring it to life. JOHN THE MESSENGER (1-8). Jesus’ coming was not something sudden or unexpected. God prepared people in a variety of ways. Isaiah said many important things about Jesus Christ long before he came. This prophecy was originally about God leading the Jews back across the desert from captivity in Babylon. But it also points to John the Baptizer, the herald of Jesus. John the Baptist spoke directly about Jesus’ coming. Imagine the scene: John in his rough cloak preaching to the crowd and baptising some in the river. Then Jesus came along. JESUS THE SON (9-13). Jesus had no need to be baptised for he had no sins to confess, but the sinless Son of God identified himself with sinners. The Spirit, like a dove, came down upon him and the voice from heaven declared who Jesus is. As if to test whether or not what had happened was genuine, Satan at once tempted Jesus. Jesus dealt with Satan directly and overcame him. (For greater detail see Luke 4:1-12). Jesus was tempted in just the same way as we are (Hebrews 4:15). How does that help us to face temptation today? —————————————————————— PRAY Ask that you may know Christ’s power in all the temptations which come your way. ==========