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John Prepares for Jesus(A)

This is the beginning of the ·Good News [Gospel] ·about [of] Jesus Christ, the Son of God,[a] as the prophet Isaiah wrote:

[Look; T Behold,] I ·will send [am sending] my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way [Mal. 3:1].”
“This is a voice of one
    who ·calls out [shouts; cries out] in the ·desert [wilderness]:
‘Prepare the way for the Lord.
    Make ·the road straight [a clear path] for him [Is. 40:3].’”

John [C the Baptist] was baptizing people in the ·desert [wilderness] and preaching a baptism of ·changed hearts and lives [turning from sin; repentance] for the ·forgiveness [remission] of sins. All the people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothes made from camel’s hair, had a leather belt around his waist [C reminiscent of the prophet Elijah; 2 Kin. 1:8], and ate locusts and wild honey [C signifies living off the land]. This is what John preached to the people: “There is one coming after me who is ·greater [mightier; more powerful] than I; I am not ·good enough [fit; qualified] even to kneel down and untie [L the thong/strap of] his sandals [C a task of a servant or slave]. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus Is Baptized and Tested(B)

·At that time [In those days] Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 10 Immediately, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw ·heaven [the sky] ·open [split open]. The ·Holy Spirit [L Spirit] ·came down [descended] on him like a dove [C either in the form of a dove, or in bird-like descent], 11 and a voice came from heaven: “You are my ·Son, whom I love [dearly beloved Son; Ps. 2:7; Gen. 22:2], ·and I am very pleased with you [in whom I take great delight; Is. 42:1].”

12 ·Then [Immediately] the Spirit ·sent [drove; compelled] Jesus into the ·desert [wilderness]. 13 He was in the ·desert [wilderness] forty days [C analogous to Israel’s forty years] and was ·tempted [or tested] by Satan [C as both Adam and Eve and the nation Israel in the wilderness were tempted, but failed]. He was with the wild animals [C dangerous or perhaps Eden-like conditions], and the angels came and ·took care of [served; ministered to] him.

Jesus Announces the Good News(C)

14 After John was put in prison [C by Herod Antipas; cf. 6:14–29], Jesus went into Galilee, preaching the ·Good News [Gospel] ·from [about] God. 15 He said, “The ·right time has come [L time is fulfilled]. ·The kingdom of God [God’s sovereign rule] is ·near [at hand]. ·Change your hearts and lives [Turn from your sins; Repent] and believe the ·Good News [Gospel]!”

Jesus Chooses His First Followers(D)

16 When Jesus was walking by ·Lake Galilee [T the Sea of Galilee], he saw Simon [C Peter; cf. 3:16] and his brother Andrew ·throwing [casting] a net into the lake because they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come ·follow me [be my disciples], and I will ·make you [teach you how to] fish for people.” 18 So Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him.

19 Going a little farther, Jesus saw two more brothers, ·James and John, the sons of Zebedee [L James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John]. They were in a boat, ·mending [preparing] their nets. 20 Jesus immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers and followed Jesus.

Jesus Forces Out an Evil Spirit(E)

21 Jesus and his ·followers [disciples] went to Capernaum [C a town on the northwest shore of Lake Galilee; it became Jesus’ home base]. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught ·like [as] a person who had authority, not ·like [as] ·their teachers of the law [the scribes; C experts in the law of Moses]. 23 Just then, a man was there in the synagogue who had an ·evil [defiling; L unclean] spirit in him. [C Demons were viewed as “unclean” or defiling spirit-beings.] He shouted, 24 “Jesus ·of Nazareth [the Nazarene]! ·What do you want with us? [Let us alone!; What business do we have with each other? L What to us and to you?] Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

25 Jesus ·commanded [reprimanded; rebuked] the evil spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” 26 The ·evil [defiling; L unclean] spirit ·shook the man violently [threw him into convulsions], gave a ·loud cry [shriek], and then came out of him.

27 The people were [L all] so amazed they asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new, and with authority. He even gives ·commands [orders] to ·evil [defiling; L unclean; v. 23] spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And the ·news [report; fame] about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many People(F)

29 As soon as Jesus and his ·followers [disciples] left the synagogue, they went to the home of Simon [C Peter; 3:16] and Andrew, together with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and ·the people [L they; C either the people or the disciples] told Jesus about her. 31 So Jesus went to her bed, took her hand, and ·helped [raised] her up. The fever left her, and she began ·serving them [waiting on them; C presumably meal preparation].

32 That evening, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick and ·had demons in them [were demon-possessed]. 33 The whole town gathered at the door. 34 Jesus healed many who had different kinds of sicknesses, and he ·forced many demons to leave people [L drove/cast out many demons]. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. [C They knew he was the Messiah; Jesus wanted to avoid premature publicity.]

35 [Very] Early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus ·woke [got up] and left the house. He went to a ·lonely [isolated; deserted] place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his ·friends [companions] went to look for Jesus. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus answered, “·We should [Let us] go to other towns around here so I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.” 39 So he went everywhere in Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and ·forcing [driving; casting] out demons.

Jesus Heals a Sick Man(G)

40 A man with ·a skin disease [T leprosy; C the term does not refer to modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease), but to various skin disorders; Lev. 14] came to Jesus. He fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “You can ·heal me [L make me clean; C leprosy rendered a person ceremonially defiled (“unclean”), and so unable to participate in Israel’s religious life] if you ·will [are willing; want to].”

41 Jesus felt ·sorry[b] [compassion] for the man, so he reached out his hand and touched him and said, “I ·will [am willing; want to]. Be ·healed [L cleansed]!” 42 Immediately the ·disease [T leprosy] left the man, and he was ·healed [L cleansed].

43 Jesus told the man to go away at once, but he warned him strongly, 44 “Don’t tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer the ·gift [offering; sacrifices] Moses commanded for ·people who are made well [L your cleansing; Lev. 14:1–32]. This will ·show the people [be a public testimony to; be evidence for] what I have done.” 45 The man left there, but he began to tell everyone that Jesus had healed him, and so he spread ·the news about Jesus [L the message/word]. As a result, Jesus could not enter a town ·if people saw him [publicly]. He stayed in ·places where nobody lived [secluded/deserted places], but people ·came [kept coming] to him from everywhere.

Footnotes

  1. Mark 1:1 the Son of God Some Greek copies do not have this phrase.
  2. Mark 1:41 felt sorry Some Greek copies read “was indignant.”

The Messiah’s Herald

The beginning(A) of the gospel(B) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.(C) As it is written in Isaiah(D) the prophet:[a](E)

Look, I am sending My messenger(F) ahead of You,
who will prepare Your way.[b]
A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:(G)
Prepare the way for the Lord;(H)
make His paths straight!(I)[c]

John came baptizing[d](J) in the wilderness(K) and preaching a baptism of repentance[e](L) for the forgiveness(M) of sins.(N) The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem(O) were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan(P) River as they confessed(Q) their sins.(R) John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts(S) and wild honey.(T) He was preaching: “Someone more powerful(U) than I will come after me.(V) I am not worthy(W) to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.(X) I have baptized you with[f] water,(Y) but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”(Z)

The Baptism of Jesus

In(AA) those days Jesus came from Nazareth(AB) in Galilee(AC) and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens(AD) being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove. 11 And a voice(AE) came from heaven:(AF)

You are My beloved(AG) Son;(AH)
I take delight(AI) in You![g]

The Temptation of Jesus

12 Immediately(AJ) the Spirit(AK) drove(AL) Him into the wilderness.(AM) 13 He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted(AN) by Satan.(AO) He was with the wild animals,(AP) and the angels(AQ) began to serve Him.

Ministry in Galilee

14 After(AR) John was arrested,(AS) Jesus went to Galilee,(AT) preaching(AU) the good news[h][i](AV) of God:[j](AW) 15 “The time(AX) is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God(AY) has come(AZ) near.(BA) Repent(BB) and believe(BC) in the good news!”

The First Disciples

16 As(BD) He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee,(BE) He saw Simon(BF) and Andrew,(BG) Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea,(BH) since they were fishermen.

17 “Follow Me,”(BI) Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for[k](BJ) people!”(BK) 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed(BL) Him.(BM) 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James(BN) the son of Zebedee(BO) and his brother John.(BP) They were in their boat mending their nets. 20 Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.(BQ)

Driving Out an Unclean Spirit

21 Then(BR) they went into Capernaum,(BS) and right away He entered the synagogue(BT) on the Sabbath(BU) and began to teach.(BV) 22 They were astonished(BW) at His teaching(BX) because, unlike the scribes,(BY) He was teaching them as one having authority.

23 Just then a man with an unclean(BZ) spirit(CA) was in their synagogue.(CB) He cried out,[l] 24 “What do You have to do with us,[m] Jesus—Nazarene?(CC) Have You come to destroy(CD) us? I know who You are—the Holy(CE) One of God!”(CF)

25 But Jesus rebuked(CG) him and said, “Be quiet,[n](CH) and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit convulsed him,(CI) shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

27 Then they were all amazed,(CJ) so they began to argue(CK) with one another, saying, “What is this? A new teaching(CL) with authority![o](CM) He commands even the unclean(CN) spirits,(CO) and they obey Him.” 28 News about Him then spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.(CP)

Healings at Capernaum

29 As(CQ) soon as they left the synagogue,(CR) they went into Simon(CS) and Andrew’s(CT) house(CU) with James(CV) and John.(CW) 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up.(CX) The fever(CY) left her,[p] and she began to serve(CZ) them.(DA)

32 When(DB) evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all those who were sick(DC) and those who were demon-possessed.(DD) 33 The whole town was assembled at the door, 34 and He healed(DE) many who were sick with various diseases(DF) and drove out(DG) many demons.(DH) But He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him.(DI)

Preaching in Galilee

35 Very(DJ) early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place.(DK) And He was praying(DL) there. 36 Simon(DM) and his companions went searching for Him. 37 They found Him and said, “Everyone’s looking for You!”

38 And He said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach(DN) there too. This is why I have come.” 39 So He went into all of Galilee,(DO) preaching in their synagogues(DP) and driving out demons.

A Man Cleansed

40 Then(DQ) a man with a serious skin disease(DR) came to Him and, on his knees,[q](DS) begged Him: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”(DT)

41 Moved with compassion,(DU) Jesus reached out His hand and touched(DV) him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.” 42 Immediately the disease(DW) left him, and he was healed.[r] 43 Then He sternly warned(DX) him and sent him away(DY) at once, 44 telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone;(DZ) but go and show(EA) yourself to the priest,(EB) and offer(EC) what Moses prescribed for your cleansing,(ED) as a testimony(EE) to them.” 45 Yet he went out and began to proclaim(EF) it widely and to spread the news,(EG) with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But He was out in deserted places, and they would come to Him from everywhere.

Footnotes

  1. Mark 1:2 Other mss read in the prophets
  2. Mark 1:2 Other mss add before You
  3. Mark 1:3 Is 40:3; Mal 3:1
  4. Mark 1:4 Or John the Baptist came, or John the Baptizer came
  5. Mark 1:4 Or a baptism based on repentance
  6. Mark 1:8 Or in
  7. Mark 1:11 Or In You I am well pleased
  8. Mark 1:14 Other mss add of the kingdom
  9. Mark 1:14 Or gospel
  10. Mark 1:14 Either from God or about God
  11. Mark 1:17 Lit you to become fishers of
  12. Mark 1:23 Other mss add to the beginning of v. 24: “Leave us alone.
  13. Mark 1:24 Lit What to us and to You
  14. Mark 1:25 Or Be muzzled
  15. Mark 1:27 Other mss read What is this? What is this new teaching? For with authority
  16. Mark 1:31 Other mss add at once
  17. Mark 1:40 Other mss omit on his knees
  18. Mark 1:42 Lit made clean