God’s Word of Joy
Introduction
Mark 1:1-13: Mark’s Gospel opens with John the Baptist calling people to turn from their sins and be baptized. Jesus is baptized by John and is then led by the Spirit into the desert where he is tempted by Satan.
Scripture Reading
The Preaching of John the Baptist
(Matthew 3.1-12; Luke 3.1-18; John 1.19-28)
1This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written:
“God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you
to open the way for you.’
3 Someone is shouting in the desert,
‘Get the road ready for the Lord;
make a straight path for him to travel!’”
4So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” 5Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 7He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
(Matthew 3.13—4.11; Luke 3.21,22; 4.1-13)
9Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As 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.”
12At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, 13where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
Today’s Key Verse: Mark 1:3a
Someone is shouting in the desert, “Get the road ready for the Lord.”
Reflect
What was John’s message? What is your understanding of what it means to “get ready for the Lord”? What is your understanding of the “Good News”? What impact does the “Good News” have on your life? In what ways can you share the “Good News” with others?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you ushered in the Kingdom of God with the Good News of salvation. Empower me with your Holy Spirit and teach me to be a faithful witness and share the Good News. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 1:1-18: Jesus is presented as the living Word.