The Beginning of Good News: Jesus Steps onto the Scene (Mark 1:1–13)
Every story has a beginning—and Mark’s Gospel wastes no time getting to the point. It opens with action, not background. In just 13 verses, we meet John the Baptist, see Jesus baptized, and watch Him face temptation in the wilderness. It’s a fast start to a powerful story.
Let’s walk through it together.
The Good News Begins
Mark 1:1 starts with a bold announcement: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”
This short sentence sets the tone. Mark wants us to know that what follows isn’t just a story—it’s good news, and it’s all about Jesus, the Son of God.
John the Baptist: The Messenger
Before Jesus steps into the spotlight, someone comes to prepare the way: John the Baptist.
John lives in the wilderness, wears clothes made of camel’s hair, and eats locusts and honey. But more importantly, he has a strong message. He calls people to turn away from their sins and be baptized. Crowds come to hear him and confess their wrongdoings.
John makes it clear that he is not the main event. He says, “Someone greater is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to untie His sandals.” That someone is Jesus.
Jesus Is Baptized
Then Jesus arrives. He comes from Nazareth and asks John to baptize Him in the Jordan River.
As soon as Jesus comes out of the water, something amazing happens. The sky opens up, the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove, and a voice from heaven says,
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
This is a big moment. It shows that Jesus is chosen and loved by God. It marks the official beginning of His mission.
Alone in the Wilderness
Right after this powerful moment, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For 40 days, He stays there, fasting and being tempted by Satan. Wild animals are around Him, but angels are there too, caring for Him.
This part reminds us that Jesus knows what it’s like to be tested. Even though He is God’s Son, He faces real struggles, just like we do. But He doesn’t give up or give in.
What Can We Learn?
This short section of Scripture teaches us a lot:
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Jesus came with a purpose. From the beginning, His identity is clear—He is the Son of God.
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John reminds us to prepare our hearts. Just like he prepared people back then, we’re reminded to be ready to welcome Jesus into our lives.
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Jesus understands our struggles. He faced temptation, pain, and loneliness—and still stayed faithful.
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God’s love and approval came first. Before Jesus did anything publicly, God already said, “I love You. I’m pleased with You.” That’s a powerful truth.
Mark 1:1–13 is just the start of Jesus’ story, but it’s already full of meaning. It reminds us that Jesus came for a reason, that He knows what we go through, and that God’s love was with Him—and is with us—from the very beginning.
Mark 1:1-13 (WEB)
1:1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.2 As it is written in the prophets,“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way before you:3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness,‘Make ready the way of the Lord!Make his paths straight!’ ”4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. 8 I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”9 In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.