God’s Saving Word: Joy
Introduction
Mark 1:9–20: Today’s reading begins with Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River by John, followed by his spending forty days in the desert where he was tempted by Satan. Upon his return to Galilee, he begins preaching the Good News and invites four fishermen to follow him.
(Verse 14 references John the Baptist’s imprisonment, which is recorded in detail later in Mark 6:14–29.)
Scripture Reading
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9 Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”
12 At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, 13 where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” 18 At once they left their nets and went with him.
19 He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. 20 As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
Today’s Key Verse: Mark 1:15
“The right time has come,” [Jesus] said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
Reflect
At Jesus’s baptism, what words were spoken from heaven? What do these words tell us about Jesus’s relationship to God? What was Jesus’s message (verse 15)? How does Jesus’s message relate to what John preached? (See Mark 1:4, from yesterday’s reading.)
Pray
Lord Jesus, God’s Kingdom has come near. Open my heart and mind to hear and receive the Good News you preached as I seek to follow you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Mark 13:1–23: Jesus speaks to his disciples about the destruction of the Temple.