Third in a series on the Gospel of Mark by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp
Scripture: Mark 1:9-13
Though Mark’s writing style is brief, it is certainly powerful. In recording both the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Mark deliberately points us back to creation, to the very beginning of history. Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the Triune God. So too the redemption of the world, that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the Triune God. And in like fashion. just as Adam and Eve were subsequently tempted by Satan in the Garden, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness as a part of God’s plan to restore lost humanity.
Why is it important to know that both Creation and Redemption are products of a Triune God?
- Trinitarianism: There is one God in three persons who know and love one another.
- Tritheism: Three separate gods who get along and work together.
- Unipersonalism: God takes one of three forms, but these are not persons but simply different manifestations of one God.
“The persons within God exalt each other, commune with each other and defer to one another. Each divine person harbors the others at the top of the center of His being. In constant movement of overture and acceptance. each person envelops and encircles the others. God’s interior life (therefore) overflows with regard for others.“ – Comelius Plantinga
What are the implications of the Trinity?
Being in love relationship with God is ultimate reality. If this is who God is and how He has designed the universe, then surely He intended it to be the design for how relationships are to work.
Why was Jesus tempted in the wilderness?
In the Garden. God said to Adam: “Obey Me about the tree.” To which of course Adam failed and all humanity was subject to sin and death. God said to Jesus “Obey me about the tree.” Only this time the tree was a cross and Jesus did obey so that all those who believe in Christ are delivered from sin and death to righteousness and life.
What does the reality of a Triune God mean?
- We are invited into a love relationship with the Triune God.
- You can only truly know the Triune God in community.
- We cannot survive without the Triune God.
- God does not leave us alone in the battle.
