In Mark’s account, our Lord was in a literal wilderness and fought the literal powers of Satan. But He did it so people in any wilderness might know the comforting power of God.
Preaching the intensities of Lent and Holy Week’s gospel pericopes means dispensing with romanticized interpretations and allowing the texts to self-present, be they ever so uncomfortable or forceful.
This week’s text invites us to walk alongside a grieving sister. The connection to your hearers will be easy, for life in this world provides no shortage of reasons to grieve.