The Ministry Of Jesus. Mark’s Gospel

The Mission of John the Baptist

This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written by Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. ” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One mightier than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You, I am well pleased.” Mark 1 vs 1-11.

The Temptation and Preaching of Jesus

At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, and He was there for forty days, being tempted by satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him.

Jesus Calls The First Disciples

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on a little farther, Jesus saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets. Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Jesus. Mark 1 vs 12- 20.

Jesus Expels an Unclean Spirit

Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at His teaching, for Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. Then they were all amazed, so they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority, He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” And immediately His fame spread throughout all the regions around Galilee. Mark 1 vs 21-28.

Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed

Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told  Jesus about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. Mark 1 vs 29-31.

Jesus Healing Many  After Sabbath Sunset

In the evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But Jesus said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also because for this purpose I have come forth.” And Jesus was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. Mark 1 vs 32-39.

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Now a leper came to Jesus, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as Jesus had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And Jesus strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction. Mark 1 vs 40-45.