Brevity…
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13
Mark’s rendition of Jesus’ wilderness time is known for its brevity. With illusions of Exodus, Jesus is driven by the Spirit of God into the wilderness for 40 days to be tested. The prince of the harsh, broken world taunts the Faithful One. What comes next is a journey that takes us all to the land of promise!
Doubling up on Torah illusions, Jesus is then ministered to by God’s creation and his angels. The image of the second Adam in 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 reverses the trajectory humanity took, which caused ejection from Eden.
All that in two sentences!
Sometimes we use too many words to explain to others who Jesus is. If you trust in the Holy Spirit, use fewer words. But don’t forget to live those words!
Lord,
Your story can stand alone without us having to amplify it too much. Please help us learn from your servant Mark, who eloquently points us to you as the Promised Land and second Adam.
I pray in your name. Amen!
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