Mark 1:13
and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him.
and He was there in the wilderness
The phrase "in the wilderness" is significant in biblical context, often symbolizing a place of testing, preparation, and divine encounter. The Greek word for "wilderness" is "erēmos," which can mean a solitary, desolate, or uninhabited place. In the Old Testament, the wilderness was where the Israelites wandered for forty years, a time of testing and reliance on God. Similarly, Jesus' time in the wilderness signifies a period of spiritual preparation and testing before His public ministry. It is a reminder that solitude and trials can be a precursor to spiritual growth and divine mission.

forty days
The number "forty" holds significant biblical symbolism, often associated with periods of testing, trial, and preparation. In Hebrew culture, forty days or years is a period of probation or trial. For instance, Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai, and Elijah journeyed forty days to Mount Horeb. Jesus' forty days in the wilderness echo these events, emphasizing His role as the new Moses and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. This period underscores the completeness and sufficiency of His preparation for the redemptive work He was about to undertake.

being tempted by Satan
The Greek word for "tempted" is "peirazō," which can mean to test or try. This temptation by Satan is a direct confrontation between Jesus and the adversary, highlighting the spiritual battle that underlies His mission. Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser," seeks to derail Jesus' mission from the outset. This encounter is a profound reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of relying on God's Word and Spirit to overcome temptation. Jesus' victory in the wilderness prefigures His ultimate victory over sin and death.

He was with the wild animals
This phrase may seem incidental, but it carries deep symbolic meaning. The presence of "wild animals" in the wilderness can be seen as a representation of the fallen world, a place of danger and chaos. Yet, Jesus' presence among them without harm signifies His authority over creation and His role as the Restorer of peace and order. It echoes the prophetic vision of the peaceable kingdom in Isaiah, where harmony is restored between humanity and creation. This imagery points to the ultimate reconciliation and restoration that Jesus will bring.

and the angels ministered to Him
The Greek word for "ministered" is "diakoneō," which means to serve or attend to. The presence of angels ministering to Jesus highlights the divine support and affirmation of His mission. Throughout Scripture, angels are messengers and servants of God, often providing strength and encouragement to God's people. Their ministry to Jesus in the wilderness underscores His divine sonship and the heavenly endorsement of His redemptive work. It serves as a reminder that in times of trial, God provides His presence and support through His messengers, both seen and unseen.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the wilderness undergoing a period of testing and temptation.

2. Satan
The adversary who tempts Jesus, representing the forces of evil and opposition to God's will.

3. Wilderness
A desolate and uninhabited place where Jesus spends forty days, symbolizing a place of testing and spiritual preparation.

4. Wild Animals
Representing the dangers and isolation of the wilderness, highlighting Jesus' vulnerability and the harsh conditions He faced.

5. Angels
Spiritual beings who minister to Jesus, providing divine support and care during His time of trial.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Jesus' temptation by Satan underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers must be vigilant and prepared to face spiritual battles in their own lives.

The Importance of Spiritual Preparation
Just as Jesus spent time in the wilderness preparing for His ministry, Christians should seek times of solitude and prayer to strengthen their relationship with God and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Divine Support in Times of Trial
The presence of angels ministering to Jesus reminds us that God provides support and strength during our trials. We are never alone in our struggles.

The Significance of the Wilderness Experience
The wilderness is often a place of testing and transformation. Believers can view their own "wilderness" experiences as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Victory Over Temptation
Jesus' triumph over Satan's temptations serves as an example and encouragement for believers to resist temptation through reliance on God's Word and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' experience in the wilderness prepare Him for His public ministry, and how can we apply this principle of preparation in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we recognize and resist the temptations we face, drawing from Jesus' example in the wilderness?

3. How do the accounts of Moses and Elijah's forty-day fasts in the wilderness enhance our understanding of Jesus' time in the wilderness?

4. What role do angels play in the spiritual realm, and how can we be assured of God's support during our own trials?

5. How can we find strength and encouragement in knowing that Jesus was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin, as described in Hebrews 4:15?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13
These passages provide parallel accounts of Jesus' temptation, offering additional details about the specific temptations and Jesus' responses.

Exodus 34:28 and 1 Kings 19:8
These Old Testament references to Moses and Elijah's forty-day fasts in the wilderness draw a parallel to Jesus' own forty days, emphasizing themes of preparation and divine encounter.

Hebrews 4:15
This verse highlights Jesus' ability to sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin.
The Consecration of JesusE. Johnson Mark 1:9-13
The Official PreparationR. Green Mark 1:9-13
An Important InterviewT. Collins.Mark 1:12-13
Association of the Angels with ChristH. W. Beecher.Mark 1:12-13
Christ Tempted of the DevilExpository OutlinesMark 1:12-13
Christ with the Wild BeastsH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 1:12-13
Christ's Susceptibility to TemptationJoseph Parker, D. D.Mark 1:12-13
Good Stronger than EvilS. Greg.Mark 1:12-13
How Little We Know of the AngelsHenry Batchelor.Mark 1:12-13
Jordan Exchanged for the WildernessDr. Parker.Mark 1:12-13
Life not All WildernessR. Glover.Mark 1:12-13
Man Led into Temptation for His GoodH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
Ministry of AngelsMrs. Jameson.Mark 1:12-13
Our Relation to Adam's Temptation and to Christ'sDean Vaughan.Mark 1:12-13
Reasonableness of Belief in the Existence of AngelsStopford Brooke.Mark 1:12-13
Satanic AgencyJ. Harris, D. D.Mark 1:12-13
Satanic TemptationsJoseph S. Exell, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
Satan's OpportunityJohn Trapp.Mark 1:12-13
Satan's WilinessT. Guthrie, D. D.Mark 1:12-13
Sinlessness Unfolds into HolinessJ. C. Jones.Mark 1:12-13
SolitudeEcce Deus.Mark 1:12-13
Spiritual VisitantsBp. Hall.Mark 1:12-13
Subtlety of Satan's TemptationsJ. G. Pilkington.Mark 1:12-13
TemptationH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
Temptation Follows BlessingT. Watson.Mark 1:12-13
Temptation not Necessarily HurtfulA. B. Grosart, D. D., J. Parker, D. D.Mark 1:12-13
The Force of TemptationJ. C. Jones.Mark 1:12-13
The Number Forty in ScriptureH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
The Power of Goodness to Tame the Animal CreationJ. C. Jones.Mark 1:12-13
The TemptationA.F. Muir Mark 1:12, 13
The TemptationJ.J. Given Mark 1:12, 13
The Temptation of ChristW. F. Adeney, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
The Temptation of ChristVarious.Mark 1:12-13
The WildernessH. Macmillan, LL. D.Mark 1:12-13
Why Does God Allow Us to be TemptedH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Mark 1:12-13
Why Men are TemptedS. Greg.Mark 1:12-13
People
Andrew, Ephah, Isaiah, James, Jesus, John, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Wilderness of Judea
Topics
Adversary, Angels, Animals, Attended, Beasts, Care, Forty, Messengers, Ministered, Ministering, Satan, Serving, Tempted, Tested, Waited, Waste, Wild, Wilderness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 1:13

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     2033   Christ, humanity
     2066   Christ, power of
     2575   Christ, temptation
     4111   angels, servants
     4122   Satan, tempter
     4195   spirits
     5564   suffering, of Christ
     6250   temptation, sources
     6252   temptation, and Christ
     8735   evil, origins of

Mark 1:12-13

     2075   Christ, sinless
     4230   desert

Mark 1:13-14

     2376   kingdom of God, coming

Library
What 'the Gospel' Is
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.--Mark i. 1 My purpose now is to point out some of the various connections in which the New Testament uses that familiar phrase, 'the gospel,' and briefly to gather some of the important thoughts which these suggest. Possibly the process may help to restore freshness to a word so well worn that it slips over our tongues almost unnoticed and excites little thought. The history of the word in the New Testament books is worth notice. It seldom occurs in those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Touch
'Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him.'--Mark i. 41. Behold the servant of the Lord' might be the motto of this Gospel, and 'He went about doing good and healing' the summing up of its facts. We have in it comparatively few of our Lord's discourses, none of His longer, and not very many of His briefer ones. It contains but four parables. This Evangelist gives no miraculous birth as in Matthew, no angels adoring there as in Luke, no gazing into the secrets of Eternity, where the Word who afterwards
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. 3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mighty in Word and Deed
'And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24. Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Healing and Service
'Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell Him of her: 31. And He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.'--Mark i. 30, 31, R. V. This miracle is told us by three of the four Evangelists, and the comparison of their brief narratives is very interesting and instructive. We all know, I suppose, that the common tradition is that Mark was, in some sense, Peter's mouthpiece in this Gospel. The truthfulness of that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Parable in a Miracle
'And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; he thou clean. 42. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.'--Mark i. 40-42. Christ's miracles are called wonders--that is, deeds which, by their exceptional character, arrest attention and excite surprise. Further,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Composite Picture.
It may be helpful to make the following summary of these allusions. 1. His times of prayer: His regular habit seems plainly to have been to devote the early morning hour to communion with His Father, and to depend upon that for constant guidance and instruction. This is suggested especially by Mark 1:35; and also by Isaiah 50:4-6 coupled with John 7:16 l.c., 8:28, and 12:49. In addition to this regular appointment, He sought other opportunities for secret prayer as special need arose; late at night
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon—Quiet Talks on Prayer

The Way to the Kingdom
"The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15 These words naturally lead us to consider, First, the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God," which, saith he, "is at hand;" and, Secondly, the way thereto, which he points out in those words, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." I. 1. We are, First, to consider the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God." The same expression the great Apostle uses in his Epistle
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Repentance of Believers
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15. 1. It is generally supposed, that repentance and faith are only the gate of religion; that they are necessary only at the beginning of our Christian course, when we are setting out in the way to the kingdom. And this may seem to be confirmed by the great Apostle, where, exhorting the Hebrew Christians to "go on to perfection," he teaches them to leave these first "principles of the doctrine of Christ;" "not laying again the foundation of repentance
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Lord and the Leper
The Lord Jesus Christ at this day has all power in heaven and in earth. He is charged with a divine energy to bless all who come to him for healing. Oh, that we may see today some great wonder of his power and grace! Oh, for one of the days of the Son of Man here and now! To that end it is absolutely needful that we should find a case for his spiritual power to work upon. Is there not one here in whom his grace may prove its omnipotence? Not you, ye good, ye self-righteous! You yield him no space
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Faith and Repentance Inseparable
I. I shall commence my remarking that the gospel which Christ preached was, very plainly, a command. "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Our Lord does condescend to reason. Often his ministry graciously acted out the old text, "Come, now, and let us reason together; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as wool." He does persuade men by telling and forcible arguments, which should lead them to seek the salvation of their souls. He does invite men, and oh, how lovingly he woos them to be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Answer to Mr. W's First Objection.
I WILL first consider all Mr. W's objections to these literal stories. Mr. W. says in his preamble, before he comes to propose his objections in form: That these three miracles are not equally great, but differ in degree, is visible enough to every one that but cursorily reads, and compares their stories one with another.--The greatest of the three, and indeed the greatest miracle, that Jesus is supposed to have wrought, is that of Lazarus's resurrection; which, in truth, was a most prodigious miracle,
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

The Fellowship of Prayer
THE FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." -- Phil. 4:6 This timely exhortation stresses the fact that God's people should consult with Him in every matter pertaining to life. Unless they see the imperative necessity of prayer, and give it an important place in daily life, they cannot expect to be maintained by the ample resources of a generous Saviour. It is apparent that we cannot obtain
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue.
(at Capernaum.) ^B Mark I. 21-28; ^C Luke . IV. 31-37. ^b 21 And they [Jesus and the four fishermen whom he called] go into { ^c he came down to} Capernaum, a city of Galilee. [Luke has just spoken of Nazareth, and he uses the expression "down to Capernaum" because the latter was on the lake shore while Nazareth was up in the mountains.] And ^b straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. { ^c was teaching them} ^b 22 And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
We have learned that sin entered this world and that all mankind have sinned. We have also learned that Jesus came to save man from his sins. Now the question may arise in the mind of some, what must I do to be saved? We hope in this chapter to quote such scriptures as will plainly teach you the way of salvation, or how to be fully saved, and also the scriptures describing each experience. Repentance. The first step for the sinner is to repent. When on Pentecost men were pricked in their hearts
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Jesus' Conception of Himself
252. When Jesus called forth the confession of Peter at Caesarea Philippi he brought into prominence the question which during the earlier stages of the Galilean ministry he had studiously kept in the background. This is no indication, however, that he was late in reaching a conclusion for himself concerning his relation to the kingdom which he was preaching. From the time of his baptism and temptation every manifestation of the inner facts of his life shows unhesitating confidence in the reality
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

John the Baptist
Matt. iii. 1-17; iv. 12; xiv. 1-12; Mark i. 1-14; vi. 14-29; Luke i. 5-25, 57-80; iii. 1-22; ix. 7-9; John i. 19-37; iii. 22-30. 72. The first reappearance of Jesus in the gospel story, after the temple scene in his twelfth year, is on the banks of the Jordan seeking baptism from the new prophet. One of the silent evidences of the greatness of Jesus is the fact that so great a character as John the Baptist stands in our thought simply as accessory to his life. For that the prophet of the wilderness
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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