Sunday, July 12, 2015

Mark 1:9-13

COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE
About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” 12 At once the Spirit forced Jesus out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

MY SPIN
One day, Jesus, who was from the northern region of Nazareth in Galilee, showed up. And John baptized him in the Jordan River -- just as he was doing with the other people. Except when Jesus came up out of the water, Jesus saw something happen in the sky. The heavens split open like it was going to pour rain -- except the Spirit of God rained on him in the form of a dove. A voice came from heaven reassuring Jesus of God's unique love of him. The voice said, "Your are the Son I love. You make me very happy."

Suddenly, the Spirit which had come upon him, drove Jesus away from the refreshing river and out into the barren wilderness. He stayed out there for forty days -- during which Satan came and tempted him. It was a dangerous place filled with wild animals. But God's angels looked after him.