I preached not so long ago on Mark 1:9-13 and (from memory) handled Jesus being with the wild beasts in verse 13 as a counterpoint to Adam's original setting in Eden (where the animals were not wild beasts).
Just been reading some comments on that text which suggest a different slant: Jesus was with them as the Messiah-who-brings-peace. That is, the wild beasts were with him in a pacified way, not as threats. In the wilderness, Jesus was already bringing transformation to his creation, undoing the effects of sin.
And, of course, 'wild beasts' has deep OT history as a term that refers to hostile human powers that opposed Israel (think Daniel especially). Is there a hint in Mark that Jesus is going to pacify the hostile powers, making peace (as Paul expressed it) through his blood, shed on the cross? If so, then maybe that hint is strengthened in 15:39 where the Centurion recognises him as the Son of God, the bringer of peace, through the manner of his death.
I'm preaching on this passage again this Sunday morning. It's always great to read things that stimulate further thinking.
