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Verse
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Mark chapter 1

English Standard Version

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,
3the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
16Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
21And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
29And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
New International Version

1The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
2as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way' -- 3a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.''
4And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: 'After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'
12At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'
16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' 18At once they left their nets and followed him.
19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!'
25Be quiet!' said Jesus sternly. 'Come out of him!' 26The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, 'What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.' 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: 'Everyone is looking for you!'
38Jesus replied, 'Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.' 39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
40A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.'
41Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.' 45Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
New American Standard Bible

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
2just as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'BEHOLD, I AM SENDING MY MESSENGER BEFORE YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY;
3THE VOICE OF ONE CALLING OUT IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘PREPARE THE WAY OF THE Lord, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’?'
4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7And he was preaching, saying, 'After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to bend down and untie the straps of His sandals. 8I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him; 11and a voice came from the heavens: 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.'
12And immediately the Spirit *brought Him out into the wilderness. 13And He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving Him.
14Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'
16As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.' 18Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went away to follow Him.
21They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach. 22And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24saying, '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!' 25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!' 26After throwing him into convulsions and crying out with a loud voice, the unclean spirit came out of him. 27And they were all amazed, so they debated among themselves, saying, 'What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.' 28Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding region of Galilee.
29And immediately after they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and they immediately *spoke to Jesus about her. 31And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she served them.
32Now when evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. 33And the whole city had gathered at the door. 34And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
35And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and prayed there for a time. 36Simon and his companions eagerly searched for Him; 37and they found Him and *said to Him, 'Everyone is looking for You.' 38He *said to them, 'Let’s go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may also preach there; for this is why I came.' 39And He went into their synagogues preaching throughout Galilee, and casting out the demons.
40And a man with leprosy *came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, 'If You are willing, You can make me clean.' 41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and *said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' 42And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44and He *said to him, 'See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.' 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Christian Standard Bible

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;he will prepare your way. 3A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:Prepare the way for the Lord;make his paths straight!
4John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
7He proclaimed, "One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased."
12Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
14After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! "
16As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. 17"Follow me," Jesus told them, "and I will make you fish for people." 18Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
21They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. 22They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.
23Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24"What do you have to do 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 silent, and come out of him! " 26And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.
27They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew's house with James and John. 30Simon's mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town was assembled at the door, 34and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. 36Simon and his companions searched for him, 37and when they found him they said, "Everyone is looking for you."
38And he said to them, "Let's go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come."
39He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 40Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. "I am willing," he told him. "Be made clean." 42Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once, 44telling him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.
New Living Translation

1This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, 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. 3He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ '
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 water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!'
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 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. 15The 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!'
16One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon 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.
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 spirit cried out, 24Why 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.
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.
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.
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, 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: 44Don’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. 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.
King James Version

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 16Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. 21And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
23And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. 35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
40And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

What does Mark chapter 1 mean?

The book of Mark is attributed to John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary trip (Acts 13:13). Mark was quickly reconciled with Barnabas (Acts 15:37–39) and eventually renewed his friendship with Paul (2 Timothy 4:11). Scholars suggest Mark may have been the young man who ran away naked from Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:51–52), and if so, it would mean he actually knew Jesus. The book of Mark is one of the four Gospels which tell the story of Jesus' ministry on earth. It's believed Mark wrote his Gospel based on Peter's witness.

Mark's writing style is one of action, not heavy theology or quiet, scholarly contemplation. He skips Jesus' early life and opens with John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' baptism. These two events stand as a transition from the era of the Old Testament prophets to the time of Jesus—a transition Jewish leaders found difficult to make. The remainder of the first chapter covers important events such as the temptation of Christ, the calling of the first disciples, and Jesus' earliest ministry in His home territory of Galilee. Woven into the action are various themes and struggles Jesus must face throughout His time on earth.

Like us, Jesus' first audience focused on what He could do instead of Who He was and why He had come. Where Jesus wanted to use His authority to teach, people instead looked to the signs of His authority—His miracles. Where He wanted to prove He was the Messiah through His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, His identity was instead publicly announced by demons. And although Jesus wished to explain His position in the legitimacy of the synagogue, His popularity quickly drove Him to the wilderness.

Mark chapter 1 illustrates that, despite Jesus' God-given authority and His temptation-tested righteousness, we too often would rather use Him to make our lives comfortable than listen and follow His words. We should not be quick to trek to the wilderness in hopes that Jesus will heal us, but neglect to obey Him in the comfort of our own homes. God has always used miracles to authenticate His servants so that people would listen to their message. Miracles are a tool, not the message.

Even so, Jesus' willingness to perform miracles and the way He performed miracles shows His love for us. He touched a woman (Peter's mother-in-law) and a man with leprosy—both unheard of for a man who claimed to preach the Word of God. As much as God wants us to follow Him, He also cares about us right here and right now. When it comes to healing, we should have the attitude of the leper who was convinced Jesus could heal him, but would only do so if it was according to Jesus' plan. True healing—spiritual restoration with God—comes from the gospel Jesus came to preach, through trusting His sacrifice on the cross to cover over our sins.
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