Mark 1:1–9

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1:2–8pp—Mt 3:1–11; Lk 3:2–16

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,a the Son of God,b a 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”c b—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’ ”d c

4 And so John the Baptistd appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentancee for the forgiveness of sins.f 5 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. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist,g and he ate locustsh and wild honey. 7 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.i 8 I baptize you withe water, but he will baptize you withf the Holy Spirit.”j

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

1:9–11pp—Mt 3:13–17; Lk 3:21,22
1:12,13pp—Mt 4:1–11; Lk 4:1–13

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazarethk in Galilee and was baptized by Johnl in the Jordan.