Mark 1:1-15

Mark 1

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

¹ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ² This is how it is written in the prophet Isaiah: ^[1]

⁴ John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

⁵ The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. ⁶ John was clothed in camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ He preached, “One more powerful than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals! ⁸ I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John Baptizes Jesus

⁹ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with you.”

Satan Tempts Jesus

¹² The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. ¹³ He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him.

“Come, Follow Me”

¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom ^[3] of God. ¹⁵ “The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.”