Jesus’ Early Ministry in Mark 1

Read Mark chapter 1

Introduction: The Gospel of Mark, believed to be the earliest written account of the life of Jesus, starts with a dynamic and concise forward that sets the stage for the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Mark 1, we see the fulfillment of prophecy, an  introduction to John the Baptist, the baptism, and temptation of Jesus, the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and his first miracles and teachings. This chapter points out the authority and power of Jesus, and his call to repentance and belief in the good news that the Messiah has arrived.

I. The Introduction, The Good News: Mark 1:1-3
The Gospel of Mark begins with the statement that this is the “beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). It immediately references the prophecy of Isaiah, “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” (Mark 1:2), which is fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1). John’s role is to prepare the way for the Lord, making straight paths for him (Mark 1:3).

II. The Ministry of John the Baptist: Mark 1:4-8
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). People from all over Judea and Jerusalem come to be baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins (Mark 1:5). John’s humble appearance and diet (Mark 1:6) contrast with his powerful message that someone greater is coming after him (Mark 1:7-8). He emphasizes that while he baptizes with water, the one to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16).

III. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus: Mark 1:9-13
Jesus comes from Nazareth to be baptized by John in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9). As Jesus is coming out of the water, the heavens open, and the Spirit descends on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11, Matthew 3:16-17). The Spirit immediately sends Jesus into the wilderness, where he is tempted by Satan for forty days and is with the wild animals, but angels attend to him (Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11).

IV. Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee: Mark 1:14-15
After John’s arrest, Jesus goes to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God (Mark 1:14). He declares that the time has come, the kingdom of God is near, and calls people to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15).

V. The Calling of the First Disciples: Mark 1:16-20
As Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee, he calls Simon and his brother Andrew to follow him (Mark 1:16-17). They leave their nets and follow Jesus immediately (Mark 1:18). Jesus also calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who leave their father and their business to follow Jesus (Mark 1:19-20).

VI. Jesus Teaches and Heals in Capernaum: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus enters Capernaum and begins teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Mark 1:21). The people are amazed by his teaching because he speaks with authority (Mark 1:22). Jesus also casts out an impure spirit, which further astonishes the people, and his fame spreads throughout the region (Mark 1:23-28).

VII. Jesus Heals Many: Mark 1:29-34
Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law who is sick with a fever (Mark 1:29-31). That evening, people bring all the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus, and he heals many (Mark 1:32-34).

VIII. Jesus Prays and Continues His Ministry: Mark 1:35-39
Early in the morning, Jesus goes to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:35). When Simon and the others find him, Jesus tells them it is time to move on to other towns to preach because that is why he has come (Mark 1:36-38). Jesus continues preaching and driving out demons throughout Galilee (Mark 1:39).

IX. Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy: Mark 1:40-45
A man with leprosy comes to Jesus, begging to be made clean. Moved with compassion, Jesus heals him and sends him to show himself to the priest (Mark 1:40-44). However, the man spreads the news, and as a result, Jesus can no longer enter a town openly but stays outside in lonely places, yet people still come to him from everywhere (Mark 1:45).

Conclusion: Mark 1 is an introduction to the powerful and authoritative ministry of Jesus Christ. It is an introduction to Jesus’ ministry, passion and mission in the world, Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and early miracles underscore his divine nature and the life changing power of his message. This chapter also reveals the “messenger sent to prepare the way for the Messiah”, which is John the Baptist. The chapter calls out to people to respond to Jesus’ call to follow him and be part of the transforming good news of the kingdom of God.

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Some Old Testament prophecies pointing to Jesus Christ:

1. Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
   This verse is referenced in Mark 1:3, where John the Baptist is described as the one calling in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus.
2. Malachi 3:1 – “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.”
   This verse is also referenced in Mark 1:2, describing John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for the Lord.
3. Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
   This verse prophesies the birth of the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in the person of Jesus, introduced in Mark 1:1 as the Son of God.
4. Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
   This verse prophesies the birthplace of the Messiah, which aligns with the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth, and sets the stage for his ministry introduced in Mark 1.
5. Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
   This verse prophesies the coming of a humble king, which is reflected in Jesus’ humble beginnings and ministry, as depicted in Mark 1.
6. Psalm 2:7 – “I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’”
   This verse is echoed in Mark 1:11, where God declares Jesus as His beloved Son at his baptism.
7. Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
   This verse speaks of the anointed one’s mission, which Jesus begins to fulfill in Mark 1 as he preaches the good news and calls his first disciples.

These are just a few examples of Old Testament prophecies that relate to the events and descriptions found in Mark 1. There are many more prophecies that point to Jesus’ birth and ministry in the OT.