Jesus Binds the Strong Man

Mark 1:9-3:27 

Last week we began a study of Jesus’ wilderness temptations.  Three of the four gospel writers give an account of our Savior’s confrontation with Satan.  The accounts vary slightly due to the fact that each writer had a different audience and purpose in mind when writing.  As we saw last week, Matthew wrote for the Jews, showing Jesus to be the true Son of David, Messiah-King and the fulfillment of the Old Testament.  By overcoming Satan, Jesus showed Himself a true “Son of Abraham” qualified to make a new covenant as representative of New Israel.

This week we will consider our Lord’s trials as Mark presents them.  While Matthew dedicates eleven verses to the telling of Jesus’ confrontation with Satan, Mark uses only a couple of verses.  In his gospel Mark intended to show Jesus as fitted for His personal ministry as Satan’s triumphant foe.  His first chapter covers Jesus’ baptism, temptation, first preaching and subsequent miracles.

Mark shows Jesus’ baptism and temptations as preparation for His battle against the Devil.  Christ’s victory in the wilderness is the binding of the strong man that must occur before the spoiling of his house.  With that work done Jesus is set to launch his attack.

In Mark’s account Jesus’ first teaching demonstrates His divine authority (Mark 1:21-22).  His first miracle, as Mark relates it, is an attack on Satan (Mark 1:23-28).  Following more works of the same significance (Mark 1:29-34; 1:39; 2:5-12; 3:7-15) Jesus expressly states His purpose in relation to Satan (3:22-27).  Satan is the strong man, the world his house and the souls of men are the spoil.  Jesus proves himself the stronger of the two when they meet in the wilderness.

In love,

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ