Into the Wilderness! Mark 1:9-15

[@donstults1159]

The heavens are opened, creation is restored, the kingdom is at hand, the Gospel is preached.

[@PastorMikeGibney]

Edenic motif as Adam was with beasts and angels

[@erich.4305]

so many directions to go with a sermon. I think I might need to contemplate this text for forty hours before determining the direction i will go with my sermon. Peace to you all. Thanks for this ministry.

[@lukeself8131]

One thing that comes to mind when considering the "wild beasts" is the Levitical practice of the Scapegoat on the day of atonement, who took the sins of Israel out into the wilderness. That could be an interesting thing to tie into a sermon that here is the fulfillment of the Scapegoat who takes our sins upon Himself in the waters of baptism and drives them out into the wilderness.

[@RebelSon5169]

Chad Bird suggests that Mark's use of the heavens rending could recall Isaiah 64:1, the cry to God, "O that you would rend the heavens and come down." Well, in Jesus he does!

[@craftofpreaching7281]

Amen!