Mark 1:1-13
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven 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; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,
13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Mark 1:1-13: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 1: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,” This verse introduces the Gospel. It declares Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. It sets the stage for the narrative.
Verse 2: “as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way'” Mark references Isaiah to show prophecy fulfillment. The messenger is John the Baptist.
Verse 3: “‘a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” John the Baptist is the voice in the wilderness. His role is to prepare people for Jesus.
Verse 4: “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John’s message is repentance and forgiveness. Baptism symbolizes this repentance.
Verse 5: “The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.” John’s message attracts many. People confess their sins and are baptized.
Verse 6: “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” John’s appearance and diet are simple and austere. This reflects his prophetic role.
Verse 7: “And this was his message: ‘After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.'” John acknowledges Jesus’ superiority. He feels unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals.
Verse 8: “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John’s baptism is with water. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit, indicating a deeper transformation.
Verse 9: “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John. This marks the beginning of His public ministry.
Verse 10: “Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.”
As Jesus is baptized, heaven opens. The Spirit descends on Him, signifying divine approval.
Verse 11: “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'” God’s voice affirms Jesus’ identity and mission. This is a moment of divine endorsement.
Verse 12: “At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,” Immediately after His baptism, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. This is a time of testing.
Verse 13: “and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” Jesus spends forty days in the wilderness. He faces temptation by Satan but is ministered to by angels. This prepares Him for His ministry.