Baptism Under Fire

According to Mark 1:12-13, Jesus was immediately driven out into the Wilderness after his baptism. You might say that here his baptism came under fire from Satan. For forty days, Jesus was tempted as to the proper use of his power and the understanding of his mission as Messiah. Steadfastly, Jesus resisted the tests of Satan. At the completion of his time in the Wilderness, he possibly returned to keep company with John the Baptizer.

The Wilderness of Jesus' experience is southeast of Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea. The barren, chalky hills stand in stark contrast to other regions of the land. The Wilderness is an inhospitable place, home only to wild animals, shepherds and demons. The region is considered as such and thus capitalized as a proper name.

Groups from the Jerusalem Center choose to travel a portion of the Old Roman Road to Jericho and encounter the Wilderness near the Wadi Kelt. In other times, we often walked the wadi into New Testament Jericho. Such an experience with the region puts the student in touch with some of what Jesus suffered. Alone except for the angels and hungry, Jesus set the course for his ministry and sounded the initial blast of defeat for the malevolent powers of this world.

The Judean Wilderness

Following worship at St. George's Cathedral in East Jerusalem, we set out for the Judean Wilderness. The Wilderness between Jerusalem and the Jericho/Dead Sea area can often be menacing, but not today. Winter rainfall has caused the normally brown landscape to sprout new grass. This region certainly has its own beauty.

Our first stop was Ein Gedi, the spring of the wild goat. Again, the recent rains have made the reserve alive with new growth and abounding with water. Again, what a day to visit Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea! Most days here can be so oppressive and challenging, but again not today.

We then returned north for a stop at Qumran. Here we pondered the likes of the Essenes and their potential influence on John the Baptizer and the early church.

In Jericho, we enjoyed lunch and visited what is often called Old Testament Jericho. The 10,000 year-old tower never ceases to amaze and humble me. Sadly, the site still needs attention and development.

The last stop of the day was at New Testament Jericho. The remains of Herod's Palace provided us the opportunity to discuss the life of Herod the Great. With a visit scheduled later for the Herodion, we were able to connect the death and burial of Herod.

But it was the story of Jesus' temptation in the Wilderness that dominated our thoughts in this desolate place. The setting allowed us to feel deeply the tests of One who was tested as no other.