By Rev. Gene Brunow

February 18 is the first Sunday in Lent. The gospel reading is Mark 1:9-15. In verses 9-11 we have the narrative of Jesus’ baptism. Here, the Father declares that Jesus is His Son as the Spirit descends on Jesus.

Jesus’ status as God’s Son makes Him a target of Satan’s assaults. This same dynamic continues in the lives of God’s children today, as Satan does all that he can to tempt the baptized. Yet, our own Baptism joins us to Christ and clothes us with His righteousness.

In verses 12-13, we see Jesus’ successful struggle against temptation in the wilderness prefigure His final victory at the cross over our ancient foe. Immediately after being revealed as God’s Son, Jesus’ archenemy, Satan, begins to assault Him. Jesus emerges from His time of testing perfectly, without succumbing to temptation in any way. He thus achieves something greater than all those tempted before Him and foreshadows the climax of the Gospel. There, He will undergo greater temptation but will rise victorious over the grave.

From the days of Adam and Eve, people have continuously fallen into Satan’s traps. Jesus, after uniting himself with fallen humans through Baptism, won a preliminary victory over the evil foe’s temptations. At the cross, Jesus gained an even more wonderful victory for us. His resurrection proves that Satan cannot prevail.

Satan means “The Adversary” and was an Old Testament expression which meant “the one who lies in ambush for.” He is a spiritual force whom we cannot defeat on our own. He is not only powerful but also relentless.

The narrative of Jesus’ temptation from Luke ends with these words: “when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” The devil is a very persistent and devious one who attempts to lure us into sin.

BUT, we have weapons too. In our baptism, God put his mark on us to show that we are His. The Word of God is the sole instrument which we can use in our constant fight with Satan. That’s what Jesus used in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. In the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” and especially verse three we hear this comforting phrase concerning the devil: “He’s judged; the deed is done; One little Word can fell him.” That word is Jesus.

It is said that: “angels attended him.” The Lord also supplies us with 24/7 attendance of angels who serve as our guardians.

Reflection Questions:

In Genesis 3:1, the serpent asked Eve, “Did God actually say?” What are some ways Satan tempts us to question God’s Word?

When God’s Word makes us uncomfortable because it exposes our sin, it’s easy for us also to think, “Did God actually say?” When you're dealing with the temptation to ignore God’s Word, who are some godly people you can reach out to for encouragement?

The devil is persistent and seeks opportunities to lead us into temptation. What are some life circumstances or situations that may make it easier for you to be tempted?

The Word of God is our weapon against the devil. What are some verses you can turn to when you are struggling? What would be a Bible verse you could look at every day to remind you that you are a loved child of God, equipped to stand up under temptation and persecution?

This month’s study text:

The Baptism of Jesus

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Temptation of Jesus

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 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.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:9-15 (ESV)

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for defeating the devil’s temptations. Thank you for giving us the means to resist Satan’s enticements through your Word and Sacraments. Help us to use this Lenten season to repent of our many actions that caused Christ to suffer and die. Help us to be on the alert to the lures that come from the devil and how he uses the world and our sinful flesh. Help us to daily put on the whole armor of God. Amen.

Rev. Brunow is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Find more of his devotionals at genesbrunotes.com.