DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 24; Psalms 137-138; Mark 9:33-50
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke 4:13
There appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, He prayed more earnestly. Luke 22:43, 44a
Having failed in his temptation of Jesus, the devil left “for a season.” Was the agony (derived from Greek agon, “contest” or “struggle”) in Gethsemane the result of a renewed attack? That an angel strengthened Him there seems amazing. He humbled Himself to the extent that, becoming a man, He would, as a man, operate within this boundary condition to complete the victory for all mankind over sin, death, and hell. —Tom Steere
We bless our Saviour’s name, our sins are all forgiven;
To suffer, once to earth He came, He now is crowned in heaven. —J. Deck