Jesus Begins to Pick His Staff

Topic: Preparation

Passage: Mark 1:1–20

June 11, 2021

Commentary

Mark begins his gospel by showing that John the Baptist was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. John was a rugged prophet from the wilderness and a fearless preacher. Large crowds came to hear him and were baptized as a sign of repentance and turning to God (v. 5). He explained that One greater was coming, saying, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (v. 8). John’s impact was strong because he lived his message, called people to real repentance, walked in humility, and pointed beyond himself to Christ. His one aim was to prepare people to meet the One who is greater.

One day, as John was preaching and baptizing, Jesus came to the Jordan River and asked to be baptized. This was not because He needed cleansing, since He was sinless. Instead, He identified with sinners and pointed forward to His death, burial, and resurrection. God showed His approval with a voice from heaven and the Spirit descending like a dove, revealing the Trinity. Soon after, Jesus entered the wilderness for forty days of testing, where He faced hard-ship yet remained faithful and obedient. This moment reveals His humble obedience.

After John was imprisoned, Jesus began His ministry and called four fishermen to follow Him. These men were ordinary workers, not wealthy or highly educated, but they were willing and diligent. When Jesus called, “Follow me,” they responded immediately, leaving their work behind. He called them not to comfort, but to service. They were invited to become fishers of men, giving their lives to a greater purpose. Their quick response shows a heart ready to trust, obey, and follow without delay. They chose faith over fear without hesitation.

Application

I ask myself how I respond to Jesus’ call in my life. Do I delay, or do I follow quickly with trust? Am I living what I say I believe, as John did? When life feels hard, will I stay faithful like Jesus? I want to walk in humility, obey without fear, and point others to Christ through my daily choices, with courage, patience, love, and faith.

Mark 1:1–20 (NET)

¹ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ² As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way,

³ the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

⁴ In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ People from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem were going out to him, and he was baptizing them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. ⁶ John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

⁹ Now in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. ¹⁰ And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.” ¹² The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness. ¹³ He was in the wilderness forty days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.

¹⁴ Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. ¹⁵ He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!” ¹⁶ As he went along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen). ¹⁷ Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!” ¹⁸ They left their nets immediately and followed him. ¹⁹ Going on a little farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother in their boat mending nets. ²⁰ Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

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