The Gospel for this upcoming first Sunday in lent is the the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil.  This takes place directly after Jesus is baptized by John.  Mark's Gospel makes this clear.  Jesus comes up out of the water and the Spirit that descended on him as a dove, now drives him out into the wilderness.  There are many things we learn about Jesus and about our Christian life in this account.  Here are two: first, Jesus the God / man is tempted like us; second, it isn't long after baptism that the devil does his best to lead believers astray.

Jesus is God and man and he was tempted by the devil and he did not sin.  We have a Savior who knows what it is to face temptation.  He knows what you go through as the devil tries to lead you away from your heavenly Father.  That is comforting.  We have a Savior who can not only sympathize with our plight but one who can empathize with us.  Yes he was tempted but he did not yield to the devil, he did not sin!  This he did for you!  Now as your substitute God see Jesus sinlessness in you.  Good news to be sure.

The devil is quick to do his work but the Spirit is there.  The Spirit that drove Jesus out into the wildreness was there at his baptism.  That same Spirit was there at your baptism and that same Spirit is with you as the devil does his best to drive a wedge between you and God.  The Holy Spirit strengthens you to face the temptations of the devil.  And when you fall to those temptations turn back to the One who was tempted as you are and did not sin.  Trust in Jesus the victor over the devil. 

Bible readings for today: Genesis 2:4-25 and Mark 1:29-45.  These reading are taken out of the Daily Lectionary of Lutheran Service Book