January 11, 2009: The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
The text for this lesson is Mark 1:1–13.
Key Points
- Jesus takes on our sin at His Baptism, facing our temptations that we, in turn, might be baptized into His goodness, His holiness, and His purity. In exchange for our sewer of sin, He gives us the fountain of life.
- Law: Repentance is not an emotion but a motion, a constant moving away from sin and into Christ, from death to life. To repent is not to “feel bad” but to confess that one is “bad”—a lawbreaker, one who fears, loves, and trusts things above God. It is to see in the lifeless wilderness around John an emblem of one’s soul, divorced from faith.
- Gospel: Jesus is baptized for us. All our transgressions cascade into Him. He also baptizes the water, as it were. He puts Himself into the water so the water, joined to Him, might join us to Him in Baptism. Once baptized, He takes down the devil for us by fearing, loving, and trusting His father above all things.
Context
Mark skips the infancy story. He leaps right into the ministry of John, then Jesus. Both have been foretold. Isaiah prophesied the voice-man John, whose pulpit is the wilderness, whose theme is repentance, whose font is the Jordan. He is so Elijah-like that he even dresses the part (2 Kings 1:8)! Mark’s version of the Baptism of Jesus, and especially His tempation, are short compared to Matthew’s and Luke’s, but the essentials remain the same.
Discussion Points and Questions
- We are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus is “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Why is Jesus baptized?
- Although Mark mentions Isaiah, only the quote in Mark 1:3 comes from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3). The part in Mark 1:2 comes from Malachi 3:1. The prophet Malachi is known for his proclamation of the messenger who will prepare the way of the Lord. Based on that knowledge, why does Mark begin his Gospel this way, omitting the infancy narrative of Jesus and going straight to John the Baptist?
- What was the purpose of John’s Baptism? What were the people doing who came out to be baptized by him? What does it mean to repent and confess?
- Read 2 Kings 1:8. What is John wearing and why does Mark describe it? What is the significance of this garb and diet? See Malachi 4:5–6 and Matthew 17:10–14 for more.
- What is the significance of Mark 1:7?
- What does it mean that Jesus was driven into the wilderness immediately after His Baptism and tempted? What benefit and comfort does this provide us?
- Read Luke 12:50 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Does this give you more insight into why Jesus was baptized? What happens to us when we are baptized?
- What does it mean to “remember” our Baptism? How do sponsors help us with that, and how do we as sponsors help those who are baptized to remember their Baptisms?
For next week, read John 1:34–51, Jesus’ call of Philip and Nathanel. Compare and contrast Philip’s and Nathanael’s responses to their initial encounter with Jesus. Notice the reason for Nathanael’s change of heart and Jesus’ response to this.
