Reading for December 12th

Read Mark 1.9-15. 9-11 (Mt 3.13-17; Lk 3.21-22; Jn 1.31-34) The baptism.
In verse 9 Mark neither records a Bethlehem birth and infancy account nor
addresses the question of Jesus' sinlessness.
In verse 10 with the rending of the Temple veil, the heavens symbolically open
again at the cross (15.38).
In verse 11 the heavenly voice speaks directly to Jesus; in Matthew's account it
makes a public proclamation.
In verses 12-13 (Mt 4.1-11; Lk 4.1-13) The temptation.
In verse 12 immediately is a Marcan motif expressing urgency.
The wilderness setting, temptation, and forty days echo the Exodus and Moses' experiences on Sinai.
In verse 13 unlike his Hebrew ancestors, Jesus does not succumb to temptation in the wilderness; unlike Adam and Eve, he lives peacefully with animals and angels.
In verses 14-15 (Mt 4.12-17; Lk 4.14-15) The good news.
Jesus begins his mission only after the Baptist is arrested by Herod Antipas;
the two are not depicted as rivals, Jesus elaborates on John's message of repentance.
Comments or Questions...