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[a]John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather [b]band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.(A) And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave]. As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] [c]with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.(B) 10 [d]Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the [e]Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus); 11 and a [f]voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!”(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Mark 1:4 Considered the last of the Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist was the son of Zecharias (Zechariah) the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were related (Luke 1:36), and Mary may have been with Elizabeth at the time John was born (Luke 1:56). John the Baptist is not to be confused with John the Apostle who, along with his brother James, was among the twelve disciples of Jesus.
  2. Mark 1:6 This band (sash, girdle) was about six inches wide and had clasps or fasteners in front. It was used to carry personal items such as a dagger, money or other necessary things.
  3. Mark 1:8 The Greek here can be translated with, in, or by.
  4. Mark 1:10 Mark uses the word “immediately” almost forty times in his gospel.
  5. Mark 1:10 The three persons of the Godhead were present: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
  6. Mark 1:11 See note Matt 3:17.

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