The Populated Wilderness - Satan, Wild Beasts and Angels
The wilderness was a place devoid of people, uninhabitable, but this verse highlights three other occupants that affected Jesus' time.
The temptations of Satan are not detailed here. But the point is clear: Jesus - devoid of any companionship, encouragement or accountability - is asked to face his primary adversary, Satan. Jesus is alone, probably lonely. He is vulnerable. And he is challenged for a protracted period of time - 40 days!
The presence of the wild animals indicates a physical threat. If we accept that the book of Mark was written to Christians in Rome, this reference could be a special encouragement to them as they faced Nero's persecution and were killed by wild animals in the Colosseum.
In the midst of this dark picture of isolation, Satanic temptation and physical danger, we still find God's grace to be evident. The angels ministered to Jesus.
The only other time in the gospel that angels minister to Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane after he has prayed with great drops of sweat. Thus, angels ministering marks the beginning and end of his ministry.
"The wilderness was a proving ground, a test of faithfulness, and a promise of deliverance" (Edwards, p.40)
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