John the Baptizer

1-3 The good news of Jesus Christ—the Message!—begins here, following to the letter the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

Watch closely: I’m sending my preacher ahead of you;
He’ll make the road smooth for you.
Thunder in the desert!
Prepare for God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!

4-6 John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.

7-8 As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”

9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

God’s Kingdom Is Here

12-13 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.

14-15 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”

16-18 Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.

19-20 A dozen yards or so down the beach, he saw the brothers James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in the boat, mending their fishnets. Right off, he made the same offer. Immediately, they left their father Zebedee, the boat, and the hired hands, and followed.

Confident Teaching

21-22 Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.

23-24 Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!”

25-26 Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.

27-28 Everyone there was spellbound, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and tells them to get lost!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

29-31 Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew’s house, accompanied by James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them.

32-34 That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door! He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn’t let them say a word.

The Leper

35-37 While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and said, “Everybody’s looking for you.”

38-39 Jesus said, “Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I’ve come.” He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons.

40 A leper came to him, begging on his knees, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.”

41-45 Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there the leprosy was gone, his skin smooth and healthy. Jesus dismissed him with strict orders: “Say nothing to anyone. Take the offering for cleansing that Moses prescribed and present yourself to the priest. This will validate your healing to the people.” But as soon as the man was out of earshot, he told everyone he met what had happened, spreading the news all over town. So Jesus kept to out-of-the-way places, no longer able to move freely in and out of the city. But people found him, and came from all over.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way(A)

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God,[b](B) as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”[c](C)
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”[d](D)

And so John the Baptist(E) appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance(F) for the forgiveness of sins.(G) The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist,(H) and he ate locusts(I) and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.(J) I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with[f] the Holy Spirit.”(K)

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus(L)(M)

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth(N) in Galilee and was baptized by John(O) in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.(P) 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,(Q) whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”(R)

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days,(S) being tempted[g] by Satan.(T) He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Jesus Announces the Good News(U)

14 After John(V) was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,(W) proclaiming the good news of God.(X) 15 “The time has come,”(Y) he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe(Z) the good news!”(AA)

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.(AB)

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit(AC)

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.(AD) 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.(AE) 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us,(AF) Jesus of Nazareth?(AG) Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”(AH)

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”(AI) 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.(AJ)

27 The people were all so amazed(AK) that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region(AL) of Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many(AM)(AN)

29 As soon as they left the synagogue,(AO) they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up.(AP) The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.(AQ) 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.(AR) He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.(AS)

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place(AT)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.(AU) 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”(AV) 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues(AW) and driving out demons.(AX)

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy(AY)

40 A man with leprosy[h] came to him and begged him on his knees,(AZ) “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

41 Jesus was indignant.[i] He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone.(BA) But go, show yourself to the priest(BB) and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing,(BC) as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places.(BD) Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.(BE)

Footnotes

  1. Mark 1:1 Or Jesus Christ. Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean Anointed One.
  2. Mark 1:1 Some manuscripts do not have the Son of God.
  3. Mark 1:2 Mal. 3:1
  4. Mark 1:3 Isaiah 40:3
  5. Mark 1:8 Or in
  6. Mark 1:8 Or in
  7. Mark 1:13 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested.
  8. Mark 1:40 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
  9. Mark 1:41 Many manuscripts Jesus was filled with compassion

Juan el Bautista prepara el camino(A)

Comienzo del evangelio de Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios.[a]

Sucedió como está escrito en el libro del profeta Isaías:

«Yo estoy por enviar a mi mensajero delante de ti,
    el cual preparará tu camino».[b]
«Voz de uno que grita en el desierto:
“Preparen el camino para el Señor,
    háganle sendas derechas”».[c]

Así se presentó Juan, bautizando en el desierto y predicando el bautismo de arrepentimiento para el perdón de pecados. Toda la gente de la región de Judea y de la ciudad de Jerusalén acudía a él. Cuando confesaban sus pecados, él los bautizaba en el río Jordán. La ropa de Juan estaba hecha de pelo de camello. Llevaba puesto un cinturón de cuero y comía langostas y miel silvestre. Predicaba de esta manera: «Después de mí viene uno más poderoso que yo; ni siquiera merezco agacharme para desatar la correa de sus sandalias. Yo los he bautizado a ustedes con[d] agua, pero él los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo».

Bautismo y tentación de Jesús(B)(C)

En esos días llegó Jesús desde Nazaret de Galilea y fue bautizado por Juan en el Jordán. 10 Enseguida, al subir del agua, Jesús vio que el cielo se abría y que el Espíritu bajaba sobre él como una paloma. 11 También se oyó una voz que desde el cielo decía: «Tú eres mi Hijo amado; estoy muy complacido contigo».

12 Enseguida, el Espíritu lo impulsó a ir al desierto 13 y allí fue tentado por Satanás durante cuarenta días. Estaba entre las fieras y los ángeles le servían.

Llamamiento de los primeros discípulos(D)

14 Después de que encarcelaron a Juan, Jesús se fue a Galilea a anunciar las buenas noticias de Dios. 15 «Se ha cumplido el tiempo —decía—. El reino de Dios está cerca. ¡Arrepiéntanse y crean las buenas noticias!».

16 Pasando junto al lago de Galilea, Jesús vio a Simón y a su hermano Andrés que echaban la red al lago, pues eran pescadores. 17 «Vengan, síganme —dijo Jesús—, y los haré pescadores de hombres». 18 Al instante dejaron las redes y lo siguieron.

19 Un poco más adelante, vio a Santiago y a su hermano Juan, hijos de Zebedeo, que estaban en su barca remendando las redes. 20 Enseguida los llamó y ellos, dejando a su padre Zebedeo en la barca con los jornaleros, lo siguieron.

Jesús expulsa a un espíritu maligno(E)

21 Entraron en Capernaúm y tan pronto como llegó el sábado, Jesús fue a la sinagoga y se puso a enseñar. 22 La gente se asombraba de su enseñanza, porque la impartía como quien tenía autoridad y no como los maestros de la Ley. 23 De repente, en la sinagoga, un hombre que estaba poseído por un espíritu maligno gritó:

24 —¿Por qué te entrometes, Jesús de Nazaret? ¿Has venido a destruirnos? Yo sé quién eres tú: ¡el Santo de Dios!

25 —¡Cállate! —lo reprendió Jesús—. ¡Sal de ese hombre!

26 Entonces el espíritu maligno sacudió al hombre violentamente y salió de él dando un alarido. 27 Todos quedaron tan asustados que se preguntaban unos a otros: «¿Qué es esto? ¡Una enseñanza nueva, pues lo hace con autoridad! Da órdenes incluso a los espíritus malignos y le obedecen». 28 Como resultado, su fama se extendió rápidamente por toda la región de Galilea.

Jesús sana a muchos enfermos(F)(G)

29 Tan pronto como salieron de la sinagoga, Jesús fue con Santiago y Juan a casa de Simón y Andrés. 30 La suegra de Simón estaba en cama con fiebre y enseguida se lo dijeron a Jesús. 31 Él se acercó, la tomó de la mano y la ayudó a levantarse. Entonces se le quitó la fiebre y comenzó a servirles.

32 Al atardecer, cuando ya se ponía el sol, la gente llevó a Jesús todos los enfermos y endemoniados, 33 de manera que la población entera se estaba congregando a la puerta. 34 Jesús sanó a muchos que padecían de diversas enfermedades. También expulsó a muchos demonios, pero no los dejaba hablar porque sabían quién era él.

Jesús ora en un lugar solitario(H)

35 Muy de madrugada, cuando todavía estaba oscuro, Jesús se levantó, salió de la casa y se fue a un lugar solitario donde se puso a orar. 36 Simón y sus compañeros salieron a buscarlo.

37 Por fin lo encontraron y le dijeron:

—Todo el mundo te busca.

38 Jesús respondió:

—Vámonos de aquí a otras aldeas cercanas donde también pueda predicar; para esto he venido.

39 Así que recorrió toda Galilea predicando en las sinagogas y expulsando a los demonios.

Jesús sana a un enfermo de la piel(I)

40 Un hombre que tenía una enfermedad en su piel se acercó y, de rodillas, suplicó:

—Si quieres, puedes limpiarme.

41 Movido a compasión, Jesús extendió la mano y tocó al hombre, diciéndole:

—Sí, quiero. ¡Queda limpio!

42 Al instante, se le quitó la enfermedad y quedó sano.[e] 43 Jesús lo despidió enseguida con una fuerte advertencia:

44 —Mira, no se lo digas a nadie; solo ve, preséntate al sacerdote y lleva por tu purificación lo que ordenó Moisés, para que les sirva de testimonio.

45 Pero él salió y comenzó a hablar sin reserva, divulgando lo sucedido. Como resultado, Jesús ya no podía entrar en ningún pueblo abiertamente, sino que se quedaba afuera, en lugares solitarios. Aun así, gente de todas partes seguía acudiendo a él.

Footnotes

  1. 1:1 Var. no incluye: el Hijo de Dios.
  2. 1:2 Mal 3:1.
  3. 1:3 Is 40:3.
  4. 1:8 con. Alt. en.
  5. 1:42 sano. Lit. limpio.