The start of the good news of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah the prophet wrote, “Look, I’m sending my messenger before you who’ll prepare your way. A voice is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare the Lord’s way and make his path straight.'”
John baptised in the desert, announcing a baptism of a changed mind for the forgiveness of sin. The whole Judean area and all the people of Jerusalem went to him and were baptised by him in the Jordan River, admitting their sins. John wore camel hair and a leather belt around his hips. He ate locusts and wild honey.
John was teaching, “Someone more powerful than me is coming after me. I am not enough to even bend and unfasten his sandal straps. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with Holy Spirit.”
During that time, Jesus came from Nazareth, in Galilee, and was baptised in the River Jordan by John. As soon as Jesus came up from the water, the skies opened. The Spirit came down like a bird to him.
A voice said from the sky, “You are my loved Son. I am pleased with you.”
The Spirit then forced him into the desert.
Jesus was in the desert for forty days, tested by Satan. He was with the animals, and the angels served him.
After John was captured, Jesus went to Galilee and announced the good news of God. He said, “The time is complete, and God’s Kingdom approaches. Reconsider and trust in the good news!”
Going past the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing in the sea because they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I’ll make you fisherman of people.”
They immediately left their nets and followed him. Going further, Jesus saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in a boat fixing nets. Jesus immediately called for them. They left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
Jesus and his disciples then went to Capernaum and first thing on the Sabbath, Jesus began teaching in the synagogue. Everyone was amazed at his teaching because he was teaching like someone with authority, not like the other teachers.
Then there was a man in the synagogue with a demonic spirit who cried out, “What are we doing here together, Jesus the Nazarene? Come to destroy us? I know who you are: Holy of God.
Jesus warned him, “Be quiet and come out of him.”
Shaking him and crying out loudly, the demonic spirit left the man.
Everyone was amazed, and they discussed together, “What is this? New teaching with authority, and commanding demonic spirits who obey him.”
The news about Jesus went everywhere in the entire area of Galilee.
Jesus then left the synagogue and went to Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down with a fever. They immediately told Jesus about her. He came and sat her up, holding her hand. The fever left her, and she served them.
In the evening, when the sun set, people brought anyone who was sick or demon-possessed to him. Everyone from the whole town gathered at the door. He healed many sick from diseases and sent out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak because they knew about him.
Early in the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went to an empty place to pray.
Simon and those with him looked for Jesus.
They found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Jesus replied, “Let’s go to the neighbouring towns to teach there because that’s why I’ve come.”
He went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and sending out demons.
A diseased man came to Jesus, kneeling and begging, “If you desire, you can make me clean.”
Jesus became concerned. He stretched his hand and touched the man. Jesus said, “I desire. Be clean.”
The disease immediately left the man and he was clean.
Jesus warned the man and sent him away. “Look, don’t say anything to anyone but go, show yourself to the priest and present for your purification what Moses ordered, as evidence to them.
But the man went and started talking about it and spreading what happened. Jesus was then not able to go back openly into the town, but he stayed outside in the wilderness and people came to him from everywhere.
Mark Chapter 1 Summary
John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus in the desert. He baptised people for forgiveness of sins and predicted the coming of one greater, who would baptise with the Holy Spirit. Jesus then arrives from Nazareth and is baptised by John. As he emerges from the water, a voice from heaven declares him the loved Son. Afterward, Jesus is led to the desert and tested by Satan for forty days.
Following John’s arrest, Jesus announces the arrival of God’s Kingdom and urges people to believe in the good news. He then calls his first disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John, who abandon their lives to follow him. In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority and sends out a demonic spirit, amazing the crowd. His fame spreads across Galilee. Jesus also heals many others. Despite the spreading news of his acts, Jesus seeks being alone for prayer. He continues his ministry throughout Galilee, including healing a diseased man, who spreads the news, forcing Jesus to stay in the wilderness.
Mark Chapter 1 Bible Study Questions and Answers
- What does John the Baptist’s role suggest about preparation for Jesus?
Answer: John’s role indicates the importance of preparing our hearts and minds to receive Christ. He baptised people, showing that accepting Jesus requires acknowledging and turning away from our sins. - How does Jesus’ baptism highlight his mission?
Answer: Jesus’ baptism symbolises the start of his ministry. The voice confirms his approval from God, showing his unique role as God’s chosen one to fulfil His mission on earth. - What can we learn from the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to Jesus’ call?
Answer: Their immediate response shows their belief and readiness to leave their familiar lives for Jesus. It shows the level of commitment and self-sacrifice required in following Christ. - How does Jesus show power in this chapter, and what does it mean for Christians today?
Answer: Jesus shows power in teaching, sending out demons, and healing. It reassures Christians of his divine power, helping us to trust and rely on Him in all aspects of our lives. - What significance does the diseased man’s healing have in our understanding of Jesus’ ministry?
Answer: The healing of the diseased man demonstrates Jesus’ care and his desire for wholeness in people. It also highlights his power over disease, emphasising his role as a healer.
Mark Chapter 1 Explained
Mark chapter 1, the opening of Mark’s Gospel, introduces us to the good news of Jesus Christ, launching straight into the narrative. It begins with John the Baptist’s prophecy about the coming Messiah and the preparation of His way, reinforcing the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy and that God’s plan is continuing.
Jesus’ baptism is an important scene, because it confirms that he is God’s son and marks the start of his public ministry. The voice from sky and the Spirit descending like a bird signify the heavenly approval and the divine nature of Jesus’ mission.
The calling of the first disciples shows the power of Jesus’ message. Their immediate willingness to leave everything behind shows the shift that comes with becoming a follower, signifying a complete commitment and trust in Jesus.
Jesus’ power over unclean spirits, diseases, and his unique style of teaching highlight his divine power and the new nature of his ministry. His actions left an impression on people, leading to his widespread fame.
The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and the diseased man shows Jesus’ care and his mission to restore health and wholeness. His ministry wasn’t merely about physical healing, but also about spiritual healing.
Yet, amidst his expanding ministry, Jesus looked to be alone for prayer, teaching us the importance of quiet communion with God.
The account of Mark Chapter 1 emphasises Jesus’ power and mission, encouraging Christians to trust, follow him wholeheartedly, and experience change through his divine power and love.
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Continue exploring Mark 1
If you’d like to read Mark 1 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 1 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 1 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 1 in the Contemporary English Version.
If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
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For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version
If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
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Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
Not My Life 