Mark 1: 12-13: The Spirit immediately drove him out into
the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted
by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels
waited on him.
How appropriate for the Lenten season! After Jesus is
baptized by John, after the Spirit descends on Jesus like a
dove, and after a voice came from heaven declaring, “You
are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased,” then,
the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.
It is somewhat shocking how fast the scene changes from
the glory of Jesus’ baptism to forty days of deprivation and
temptation in the wilderness. Sometimes I feel like there
should be a more gradual shift into Lent, too. To go from
parties and King cake to ashes at 6:30 am is also shocking. I
am not prepared for it. But maybe that’s the point.
Jesus emerged from his forty days in the wilderness to begin
his ministry and road to the cross. The glory of baptism did
not prepare him for ministry and obedience unto death.
Forty days in the wilderness did that. Lord, may these forty
days of Lent prepare us to better love and serve you in our
ministries and in obedience to your will.
Psalm 41, 52; Genesis 37:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
