Mark’s account of the baptism and temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is the most succinct of the four gospels.  Only five sentences.  The heavens open at the Jordan, the Spirit, like a dove, descends on Jesus, the voice from heaven declares him “my beloved Son.” It’s  quickly over. “At once” the Spirit drives him out into the desert.  Jesus is tempted by Satan for forty days. 

Is that literally forty days, or more likely does it indicate a lifelong experience Jesus has, as some commentators say?

The heavens open at the baptism of Jesus, all the gospels say, but more than other gospels Mark indicates that baptism calls us to participate in the Passion of Christ. In baptism we enter the body of Christ and become children of God and heirs to God’s kingdom, but we are called also to suffer with him.

We should remember this as we begin reading Mark’s account of the triumphant victory of Jesus over Satan as he starts his ministry in the synagogue at Capernaum. It continues  that first day  with his cure of Peter’s mother-in-law and the crowds that come to his door with their sick till the end of the day. 

He wins the crowds over with his teaching and miracles, but it does not last. 

As chapter 8 of Mark ends, Jesus asks his disciples who do people says he is. “You are the Messiah” Peter answers, but when Jesus announces he is going to Jerusalem where he will be rejected and killed and raised up, Peter does not understand.

We face God’s thinking in Mark’s gospel,  which we often do not understand.  Mark’s gospel has been called “ A passion narrative with an extended introduction.” It is written for disciples who are slow to understand the mystery of the Cross.

Most commentators say that Mark’s gospel was written in Rome and meant for the Christians of that city who suffered in the first great persecution of the church by Nero after the fire that consumed the city in 64. Keep them in mind as we hear Mark’s gospel.

Our experience may often be somewhat like theirs.