Mark 1
Mark 1 introduces the ministry of Jesus Christ, beginning with John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way. It recounts Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and the beginning of His preaching and healing. The chapter emphasizes the authority of Jesus as He calls His disciples, performs miracles, and casts out demons, showing His power over both the natural and supernatural realms.
Mark 1:1-8 (NKJV)
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”
3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark opens with John the Baptist’s mission to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus by calling them to repentance. His baptism signifies a symbolic cleansing, prompting people to turn from sin. John’s lifestyle and message emphasize humility, as he directs all attention to the one coming after him, Jesus, who will bring the true baptism of the Holy Spirit, marking the start of a new spiritual era.
Mark 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.
11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ baptism is a significant moment marking the start of His ministry. As He is baptized, the Spirit visibly descends upon Him, symbolizing divine empowerment and approval. The voice from heaven publicly affirms Jesus as God’s beloved Son, establishing His identity and mission.
Mark 1:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
After His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit, where He faces temptation from Satan. This period of testing shows Jesus’ commitment to His mission and His authority over evil, foreshadowing the spiritual battles He will face throughout His ministry.
Mark 1:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
With John’s arrest, Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee, proclaiming the arrival of God’s kingdom. His message of repentance and faith in the gospel echoes John’s call but carries the added weight of His identity as the Son of God, who embodies the kingdom’s fulfillment.
Mark 1:16-20 (NKJV)
16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.
20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
Jesus calls His first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John, inviting them to follow Him and promising to transform them into “fishers of men.” Their immediate response demonstrates their faith and willingness to leave behind their livelihoods for His mission.
Mark 1:21-28 (NKJV)
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.
22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.
27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.
Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue astonishes the people, as His authority surpasses that of the scribes. By casting out an unclean spirit, He demonstrates His power over the spiritual realm, affirming His identity as the Holy One of God and sparking widespread amazement.
Mark 1:29-31 (NKJV)
29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.
31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Jesus’ healing of Simon’s mother-in-law shows His compassion and power over physical illness. By simply taking her hand, He restores her health, and she immediately begins to serve them, illustrating the impact of His healing touch on those He encounters.
Mark 1:32-34 (NKJV)
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
As word of His miracles spreads, people flock to Jesus for healing and deliverance. His authority over sickness and demons emphasizes His role as the ultimate healer and deliverer, showing the compassion and power He brings to those in need.
Mark 1:35-39 (NKJV)
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.
37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
Despite the demands of ministry, Jesus prioritizes time alone in prayer, grounding His work in communion with the Father. His mission is not limited to one town; He continues spreading the gospel throughout Galilee, bringing the kingdom message to all.
Mark 1:40-45 (NKJV)
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once,
44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
In this final scene, Jesus heals a leper, showing compassion by touching him, despite societal norms. His instructions for silence are ignored, leading to increased attention and making it difficult for Jesus to move freely. This highlights both Jesus’ compassion and the inevitable spread of His fame as people seek His transformative power.