Marks Gospel begins, more credibly, than the others,
with Jesus coming in from the cold to be ministered to by John.
John's remarks make clear that brought a reputation with him.
He would seem to have been at some religious institution,
possibly the Essenes or some other such group.
Having received John's commission
Jesus left for a time of introspection,
documented as a time of temptation,
as he set out for himself
the path of his ministry.
"If you are the Son of God,"
The first and primary temptation was to deny his calling.
Perhaps he could see where it would lead,
as it had for others before him
and would soon do for John.
"..command this stone to become bread."
the whole thrust and draw of materialism
of consumerism and possession.
"If you will worship me, it will all be yours."
The tempatation of power that is so pervasive
that it has corrupted mankind throughout history
"He will command his angels to guard you"
You have nothing to fear!
It is a minimimum risk invetsment.