Mark 1
1
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.#1:1 Some manuscripts do not include the Son of God. It began 2just as the prophet Isaiah had written:
“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.#1:2 Mal 3:1.
3He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’#1:3 Isa 40:3 (Greek version).”
4This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
7John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8I baptize you with#1:8 Or in; also in 1:8b. water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him#1:10 Or toward him, or into him. like a dove. 11And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
12The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
14Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News.#1:14 Some manuscripts read the Good News of the Kingdom of God. 15“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
The First Disciples
16One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon#1:16 Simon is called “Peter” in 3:16 and thereafter. and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18And they left their nets at once and followed him.
19A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
Jesus Casts Out an Evil Spirit
21Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.
23Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil#1:23 Greek unclean; also in 1:26, 27. spirit cried out, 24“Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. 26At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.
27Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” 28The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many People
29After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. 31So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
32That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 36Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 37When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
38But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” 39So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
40A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
41Moved with compassion,#1:41 Some manuscripts read Moved with anger. Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. 43Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: 44“Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy.#1:44 See Lev 14:2-32. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
45But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
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Mark 1: NLT
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Mark 1
1
The Preaching of John the Baptist
1The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of #1:1 Mark’s gospel is believed to be directed primarily to Gentile believers in Rome. Since Gentiles would not necessarily be familiar with the Jewish title Messiah, he emphasizes instead the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written and forever remains in the [writings of the] prophet Isaiah:
“Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way— [Mal 3:1]
3A voice of one shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
# 1:3 A ruler or nobleman traveling in the wilderness would have a crew of workmen preparing and clearing the road ahead of him. In spiritual terms, John the Baptist was clearing the way for the arrival of the Messiah by preparing the hearts of his followers. Make His paths straight!’ ” [Is 40:3]
4 # 1:4 Considered the last of the Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist was the son of Zecharias (Zechariah) the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were related (Luke 1:36), and Mary may have been with Elizabeth at the time John was born (Luke 1:56). John the Baptist is not to be confused with John the Apostle who, along with his brother James, was among the twelve disciples of Jesus. John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. 5And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather #1:6 This band (sash, girdle) was about six inches wide and had clasps or fasteners in front. It was used to carry personal items such as a dagger, money or other necessary things.band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. [Lev 11:22; 2 Kin 1:8] 7And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave]. 8As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] #1:8 The Greek here can be translated with, in, or by.with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of Jesus
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [Matt 3:13-17; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32] 10#1:10 Mark uses the word “immediately” almost forty times in his gospel.Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the #1:10 The three persons of the Godhead were present: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus); 11and a #1:11 See note Matt 3:17.voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” [Ps 2:7; Is 42:1]
12Immediately the [Holy] Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted [to do evil] by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered continually to Him.
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
14Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and #1:14 Cf 6:17 ff.taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God, 15and saying, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].”
16As Jesus was walking by the shore of the #1:16 A fresh water lake about 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, almost 700 feet below sea level and center of a busy fishing industry.Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, #1:16 One of the followers of John the Baptist (John 1:40).Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “#1:17 The concept of “follow” can represent three separate possibilities: in the early stages of His ministry, (1) walking with Him physically (literally), that is merely being in His presence regardless of personal belief or commitment; (2) accepting and identifying with the salvation He offered; and later on (3) being identified with Him by being subject to the scorn and rejection of unbelievers because of personal belief and commitment to Him.Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. 19Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending and cleaning the nets. 20Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
21They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. [Luke 4:31-37] 22They were completely amazed at His teaching; because He was teaching them as one having [God-given] authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat], 24saying, “#1:24 Lit What to me and to you, originally a Hebrew idiom which does not translate well into English. The idiom is meant to inform the other person that the speaker is not aware of any obligation between them and does not wish to deal with the other person (cf 2 Sam 16:10).What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!” 26The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him. 27They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.” 28Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee.
Healing the Crowds
29And immediately they left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John. [Matt 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41] 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her. 31Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them [as her guests].
32Now when evening came, after the sun had set [and the Sabbath Day had ended, in a steady stream] they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were under the power of demons, 33until the whole city had gathered together at the door. 34And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him [recognizing Him as the Son of God].
35Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, 37and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” 38He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” 39So He went throughout Galilee, preaching [the gospel] in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40And a leper came to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You are able to make me #1:40 Lepers were ceremonially unclean according to OT law (Lev 13:45, etc.) and were not to come into physical contact with other people. The leper’s request was the same as asking for healing.clean.” [Matt 8:2-4; Luke 5:12-14] 41Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42The leprosy left him immediately and he was cleansed [completely healed and restored to health]. 43And Jesus [deeply moved] admonished him sternly and sent him away immediately, 44saying to him, “See that you tell no one anything [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as proof to them [that you are really healed].” [Lev 13:45; 14:2-32] 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news [of his healing], to such an extent that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city [where He was known], but stayed out in the unpopulated places; yet people were still coming to Him from everywhere.
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