Reflecting On The First Week Of Lent

The first four readings in Mark move at breakneck speed. We begin with the announcement of Jesus' arrival by John the Baptist to Jesus the healer, who is building a ministry team.

Jesus enters the scene as an unknow but who is baptized and identified by John and a voice from heaven saying "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Immediately the Spirit, who had descended on Jesus at his baptism, sends him into the wilderness, where he remained for forty days. It was a time of prayer, fasting, and being tempted by Satan.

Jesus emerges from the wilderness, ready for ministry. He goes to Galilee and proclaims the good news of God. By the time we end this week’s reading, Jesus has five people on his ministry team, and through his healing ministry, crowds of people are eagerly demanding his attention. All of this took place without the help of social media. Word of mouth can be a powerful social media tool.

Mark tells us that because Jesus could no longer enter a town openly, he stayed outside in lonely places. Yet, as we read, the people still came to him from everywhere.

As you read these first readings at the beginning of Lent, don’t be in a hurry to rush through.

Take time to reflect and ask yourself:

• What is the passage saying to you about God?

• What is God saying to you through this passage?

• What are you going to do about it?

• Is there someone with whom you will share what you hear God saying to you?

If you wish to email me with questions about what you are reading or want to share what God is sharing with you, please feel free to email me at: p.a.rigby72@gmail.com.

At Polson Park Church this Sunday, February 26th, we will be looking at "Preparing to Meet the King," Mark 1:1–14.