Consider the Word, February 18, 2021

Consider the Word, February 18, 2021
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Readings for February 21

• Genesis 9:8-17
• Psalm 25:1-9
• 1 Peter 3:18-22
• Mark 1:9-15

 
Collect

Almighty God,

whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness,

and was tempted as we are but did not sin,

give us grace to discipline ourselves

in submission to your Spirit,

that as you know our weakness,

so we may know your power to save;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: Mark 1:9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

 
Reflection Questions

1. What’s the relationship between Jesus and the movement that John the Baptist started? Why did Jesus repent? What sins did he have to confess?
2. What is the relationship between prayer and doing?

 
Closing Prayer

God of the wilderness,

your Son battled with the powers of darkness

and grew closer to you in the desert:

help us to use these forty days

to grow in wisdom and prayer,

so that we may witness to your saving love

in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Common Worship (2000) alt.

 
The Message: Mark 1:9-15

^9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

^12-13 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.

^14-15 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson