Mark 1:12-13 : The Testing Time

For 40 days Jesus was in wilderness and here he was tested by Satan. Unlike Mathew, Mark does not elaborate on the three tests that Jesus underwent, he just stresses on the fact that immediately after the holy spirit came unto him , he was driven into wilderness and was tested.

No one can escape the assault of temptations. They are not meant to weaken us or dissuade us from pursuing the good things that we ought to, but to strengthen us, ennoble us and to empower us.

While God was telling “take my love to the people, love them till you die for them”, Satan was telling , “bring them to your ways by your power” . Jesus did not yield to the temptation of the Devil.

What is the significance of 40 ? where else do we see this ? Moses was in the mountain with God for 40 days. Just after the period of drought , Elijah walked 40 days to Mount Sinai in the strength of the meal that angel had given him.

In the wilderness , beasts were his companions and angles helped him. This is very similar to the situation in the garden of Eden. When there was no sin , man was friendly with the beasts . This is perhaps a glimpse of heaven that Mark gives us.