Gospel lesson for the weekend  
(For worship services on Feb 21&22, 2015)  

Mark 1:9-15 

The Spirit that comes upon Jesus at his baptism sustains him when he is tested by Satan so that he might proclaim the good news of God's reign.

⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰And 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. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." ¹²And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ¹³He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. ¹⁴Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, ¹⁵and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news."

Gospel Reflection Questions 
 to share and discuss

1. When have you felt closest to God in your life?  Is/was there a particular time and place when you especially felt God’s presence in your life?
   
   
2. Jesus had lots of “ups and downs” in his life – right after God spoke from heaven at his baptism, Jesus is driven into the wilderness.  Think of the best and worst times in your own life – reflect on them and remember that Jesus is with you in ALL of the times of your life.
   
   
3. Do you think God would be pleased with your life?  What changes might you make in your life that would be pleasing to God?
   
   

Prayer

Dear God, when I am in the “wilderness” of my own life, help me to see the angels all around me, the people who you send to help me, and the peace which you offer to me in these and all the times of my life.  Amen.  

This is Mt. Olive’s weekly online Bible Study for youth, adults and families. Each week we will reflect on the coming weekend’s Gospel text covered at our upcoming worship services. This is your opportunity to read the text, reflect on the questions, share and discuss with friends and family, and share a prayer.

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illustration by Julie Lonneman exclusively for Augsburg Fortress.