Mark 1:4-11 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:4-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Verse 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Verse 6Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Verse 7He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. Verse 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Verse 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Verse 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Verse 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotion
On Sunday, we’ll observe the Baptism of Our Lord, which epitomizes our week’s theme of beginnings. Today’s verses follow a passage that was read on the Second Sunday of Advent. It declared that the Gospel of Mark is “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Today’s verses also precede the Third Sunday after Epiphany’s gospel passage that will declare, “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near’” (Mark 1:14-15). Between these two passages, Mark introduces our Triune God. In our Lord’s baptism (vs 9-11), the Holy Spirit (God the Sanctifier) descended on Jesus (God the Redeemer). Suddenly, the Parent (God the Creator) spoke to Jesus, God’s Beloved Son. Certainly, our Triune God was fully present in Jesus’ baptism. Once baptized, Jesus began proclaiming the good news!
Prayer
Triune God, we come to you with awe and praise! As we begin and live through this year, help us proclaim faithfully the good news of your life, death, and resurrection for all people. Amen.