Observation
A lot happens in these four verses. Jesus was just baptised by John the Baptist, then he spends forty days in the desert, where he is tempted by Satan, then he returns and starts preaching the
Interpretation
The description of Jesus’ temptation is what we consider as a teaching story, rather than a historical story. It means that the author, Mark, wants to communicate a certain lesson rather than a historical account of what happened to Jesus. Also, that Jesus’ temptation happens right after his baptism is significant.
The lesson is this: the dessert is regarded as the
For the early Christians, this was a source of inspiration since to be baptized at that time had dire consequences. During those times, when you are asked “who is your lord?” the correct answer is that “the Roman Emperor is my lord.” But the Christians would say “Jesus is my Lord.” That meant imprisonment or even death.
Generalization:
Well, today, we no longer have those occasions for martyrdom, but there are still many occasions when our being a Christian is tested:
- In the workplace, we can be tempted (or tested) to compromise our principles of honesty and integrity, but a Christian says “I will not, Jesus is my Lord.”
- In most occasions, it may not even concern major principles like that, but seeming harmless occasions when it would be so sweet to gossip and backbite, for example. Or to go along with friends in, shall we say, some errant endeavours. But the Christian says, “I will not, Jesus is my Lord.”
- Personal conflicts are unavoidable, whether in the family, our work, or in the Apostolate. In these occasions, we often feel our opinion or idea or solution is a lot better than the other person’s. But a Christian, especially a member of the Singles Apostolate, would say “Jesus is my Lord, and I value personal reconciliation more highly than problem resolution.” Max Lucado said: “the person to be loved is more valuable than the problem to be solved.”
Then, and now, it is difficult to be a Christian. It is much easier to be like everyone else, but a Christian should be a cut above the rest. Jesus didn’t have it easy, and the servant cannot be higher than the Master.
You are a cut above the rest. You will be tested. You can pass that test. That’s what this gospel is all about.
Application:
- In what occasions is your being a Christian tested? Cite occasions in the workplace, in the family, when with friends.
- How did you react during those occasions? How were you able to pass the test? What did you learn from your failure?
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