Reading
MARK 1:1–15
This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the
prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he
will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the
Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”
This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that
people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to
God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see
and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan
River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around
his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater
that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I
baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.
As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit
descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved
Son, and you bring me great joy.”
The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by
Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s
Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom
of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Reflection
- Baptism was important to Jesus, who was baptized before his ministry began. How does
that shape the way you think about baptism?