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February 15 – Mark 1:1-15

On Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent, the 40 days (minus Sundays) leading up to Easter. This is a time of reflection and prayer, a time to focus on Christ and our need for Him. Today’s reading can help us prepare our hearts as we enter this season of self-examination and connection to God.


John the Baptist’s mission was to “prepare the way for the Lord” (v. 3), and part of that mission was helping to prepare the hearts of the Jewish people to receive their Messiah. John did this by calling the people to repentance and baptizing them (vv. 4-5), and when Jesus began His ministry, He also called for repentance (v. 15).

Spend some time in confession. Ask forgiveness for ways you have hurt others, for moments of pride or greed, for any envy or unforgiveness you are harboring, for things you have done and things you have left undone.


After you have confessed, remember your baptism. You might even take a bowl of warm water and dip your hands in it as you thank God for cleansing you, for raising you to new life in Christ (see Romans 6:4). (If you have not yet been baptized and would like to know more about it, message me.)


After Jesus was baptized by John, “…a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (v. 11). Notice that the Father says this before Jesus has done anything in ministry. The Father is pleased with who Jesus is (His Son) before Jesus has done anything for Him on earth. If you are a believer in Christ, you share in Jesus’ righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are covered by His blood (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:22). When God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Christ, and He is “well pleased.”


Spend time reflecting on God’s forgiveness and love for you. Release any guilt you feel over the things you have confessed. Hear God say that you are His child and that He is well pleased with you, too. He made you, and He has provided a way for your forgiveness in Christ.


Right after Jesus was baptized and before He began His ministry, He was guided by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days (v. 13). [Scripture tells us that He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).] During that time in the wilderness, Jesus also fasted and prayed in preparation for the ministry work to come.


During the 40 days of Lent, we emulate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, withdrawing from at least some things of this world, praying, and engaging in self-examination as we prepare for Easter. Spend some time in prayer, asking God to show you ways that you can draw closer to Him during this time. He loves you and longs to be closer to you as His child.


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My name is Melissa Anderson. I'm a spiritual director and ordained pastor who loves God, people, and words. You can read more about me by clicking the button below.

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