Jesus remained in the desert for forty days,tempted by Satan. (Mk 1:12-15)
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert.
The desert was where it was believed the evil spirits dwelt.
He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan.
Israel lived 40 years in the desert after the exodus and before they finally entered the Promised Land. Elijah walked 40 days before reaching Mt. Horeb. Moses was with Yahweh for 40 days on top of Mt. Sinai.
Satan was the accuser in front of God. He was the leader of the forces against the People of God. He tempts people to sin.
He was among wild beasts.
The peaceful coexistence of man and wild animals just like in the garden of Eden was a sign the time of the Messiah was at hand.
And the angels ministered to him.
It was an angel that brought food and drink to Elijah. According to Psalm 91, the man who trusts in God will win against evil, he will dwell in peace with wild animals and angels will serve him.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God.
The fate of John the Baptist would be the fate of Jesus Christ.
Jesus left Judea because it had become dangerous for him. In Galilee Jesus found a better reception than in Judea.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
The coming of the Kingdom of God means: 1) The power of God would be manifested; 2) All men will be judged; and 3) The reign of God over all mankind.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.
Repentance in Greek is metanoia. It means a change in direction of one's life; a change of mind; a change in behavior; turning away from sin in order to fix one's eyes on God.
MESSAGE
What are our weapons? What are our strategies?
- Communion to make us strong
- Resolution to target that dominant sins that we have to weed out
- Daily examination of conscience to monitor how we are doing in the fight
- Prayer and the reading of God's word to keep us in touch with God
- Confession for healing
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