MARK 1
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS + START OF HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY
Mark begins his account of Jesus with a clear statement, declaring that his purpose for writing is to the Good News of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
Mark references the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, saying that a messenger will be sent to prepare the way of God and make His paths straight (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1). This messenger is John, frequently referred to as John the Baptist. When John preaches by the Jordan River, many people from Jerusalem and Judea were present, listening to John, confessing their sins, and being baptized.
John says that the one who is coming after him, Jesus, is far greater and mightier. In comparison, John says he is unworthy to even carry the shoes of Jesus.
John the Baptist is described as wearing garments of camel hair and a leather belt around his waist. He was also known for eating honey and locusts, although it is debated whether the locusts were insects or if he ate from the pods of Carob trees, often called locusts, that contained sweet edible pulp.
Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. When Jesus comes out of the waters, the skies open up, revealing God’s Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. Along with the Holy Spirit is the voice of God, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all present in unison at the baptism of Jesus!
Following His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. Matthew 4 contains more details of this encounter, including Jesus’ response to Satan.
The message of John and Jesus, that Jesus was the Son of God, was a radical message that upset religious and political leaders, leading to John’s arrest. Jesus begins His public ministry, proclaiming the kingdom of God is at hand.
Along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls His first two disciples, Andrew and Simon. These two men are fishing, casting their nets outside their boats. Jesus tells them that they will no longer be fishermen, but fishers of men, foreshadowing their spreading of the Gospel message. Similarly, James and John become disciples of Jesus.
Jesus is able to perform miracles, including casting out demonic spirits and healing the sick. Because of Jesus’ astounding abilities, the news of Him travels fast, and many people hear of His great works. Before going to preach in Galilee, Jesus spends time alone in prayer. Throughout the Gospels, there are multiple occasions where Jesus retreats by Himself to spend time in solitude and prayer.
Jesus performs the miraculous act of healing a man with leprosy. Wanting to remain discreet, Jesus asks the man to not say anything about how he was healed. Instead of remaining silent, the man talks freely, and word of Jesus’ abilities spread. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town because people from all over were seeking Him for healing.
