“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was
in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild
animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” Mark 1:12-13
Unlike other Gospels (except John), Mark describes the temptations of
Jesus in two sentences. No other details are told, but simply that Jesus was in
the wilderness, that he was tempted by Satan, that he was with wild animals,
and that angels ministered to him.
One notable aspect of such description, different from others, is that
Jesus is portrayed as having dwelt with the wild animals. Ever since the Fall,
mankind has been in struggle with wild animals. Harmonious relationship has
been broken. Yet, here in this verse, Jesus is seen with them, free from harm.
Two different explanations can be made. The first is that God has allowed
peace with the wild animals. What was once destructive is now again made safe,
peaceful. The second explanation will be that God has provided protection from
such beasts. Though perfect harmony has not been reached, God has extended his
love to grant safety.
It will be near impossible to fully understand what exactly happened.
However, the one important matter is that change happened. Whatever the main
story behind, God has brought upon change in what was once. It can be taken as
a sign of God’s movement towards salvation of mankind, of the cross and the resurrection.
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