Mark 9:9-15
This short passage in Mark combines
two important events that are described in much greater detail in Matthew and
Luke—the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Thus several important details found
in the other versions are lacking here, such as John the Baptist’s reaction to
Jesus’ request and his testimony to the heavenly acclamation. (See Matthew
3:13–17, Luke 3:21–22, and John 1:29–34.) . . .
Mark also deals with Jesus’
temptation only in passing. Given that Mark’s impetus is to emphasize that “The
time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near,” and to get to the
story of Jesus’ passion, such minimal detail in these early episodes may be
understandable. . .
The reference to beasts and angels
in the wilderness could be an allusion to Elijah, who was helped by ravens
during the drought and later by angels on his forty-day flight into the
wilderness. The idea of forty days, often in the wilderness, appears in one
form or another in three of the readings for today, an echo in a sense of the
forty days of Lent which we have entered this week.
The early church called for forty
days of preparation for catechumens, which ultimately developed into the
observance of Lent for all Christians, not just new believers. –– Jonathan D.
Lawrence
Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 9 introduces the first of
several covenants that will be discussed in the lectionary over the next few
weeks, God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures. Here God promises
never again to threaten extinction or destruction by floodwater and gives the
rainbow as a sign of that promise of protection. Ironically, that sign seems to
be more for God’s benefit as a reminder not to destroy the earth than as a
comfort to humans that God will not forget. –– Jonathan Lawrence
1 Peter 3:18-22
This short passage connects the
story of Noah to the practice of baptism and the significance of Christ’s
death. The writer sees Christ’s death and rebirth in the spirit as an innocent
suffering or sacrifice on the behalf of all people. The reference to “the
spirits in prison,” is cryptic, especially since the description “who in former
times did not obey” is presented in the context of the Noah story where the
emphasis is on Noah’s obedience and faith.
Early Christians drew on Peter’s
symbolism here and used the ark as a symbol of baptism, since “a few, that is
eight persons, were saved through water.” Christian paintings in the catacombs
and elsewhere used this symbol, in connection to the Eucharist as well. The
idea is that just as Noah spent forty days in the ark, as a sign of faith and
as the water washed away the sins of the world, Christians wash their sins away
(not just physical dirt) and seek God’s care and rescuing. Again, as in the
other passages for today, repentance, humility and trust are required of those
seeking to follow God. –– Jonathan Lawrence
Jonathan D.
Lawrence, an American Baptist
Church ordained minister, teaches Religious Studies and Theology at Canisius
College, Buffalo, New York.
Homily Service 39, no. 4 (2006): 13-21.
