[Mar 1:9-11 NIV] 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus was without sin, so his baptism was not because he needed to repent. God the Father was pleased because when Jesus came up out of the water, a voice from heaven said, “So,” and a dove descended. Thus, we have the beginning of Jesus' public teaching ministry. [Mar 1:12-13 NIV] 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. • John has the way for people’s hearts to turn toward God. • Jesus has the very public approval of His Heavenly Father. • Jesus goes into the wilderness alone to fast and pray for 40 days. [Mat 4:1-10 NIV] 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" • Satan came to Jesus when He was . Do not ever think the devil plays fair. When Satan tempted Jesus, each time, Jesus responded with God’s . Jesus knew His flesh was not up to the fight. He went to the everlasting Word of God which never fails. This was a necessary temptation. [Mar 1:21-22 NIV] 21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. “As One who had authority” ... Jesus came out of the wilderness . His teaching had authority. The kingdom of heaven has earth. His teaching had authority and the supernatural realm recognized his authority. [Mar 1:23-27 NIV] 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” 25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching–and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him." [Phl 2:6-7 NIV] 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. “He made Himself nothing…” Greek word: Kenosis: Jesus accepted the limitations of being human. He chose to face things like face things. He chose to fight Satan the way have to fight Satan. We do not fight against flesh; we fight against spiritual forces of darkness. We have: Authority to walk in this life. The power of the Holy Spirit and the authority over the demonic. The Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus is the Spirit that lives in you! We cannot just live any old way and expect that authority to operate. In truth, Jesus does give us His authority to walk in, only if we are in him. (abiding) [Luk 10:19 AMP] 19 "Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. The disciples followed Jesus' authority but had to pray and fast. Paul followed Jesus' authority but still put on the armor of God and fought and stood against Satan's schemes. Victory comes in the form of obedient submission to God, leading to authority over evil. James 1 says blessed are those who endure when they are tested for, they will receive a crown. What is a crown symbolic of? authority? Is God giving you another opportunity to get it right? Are you going around a mountain that you have been around before? Could it be that God is calling you to walk differently this time?