Mark 1-3 - Jesus' Early Ministry - English Spiritual

Jul 17, 2026

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Mark 1-3 opens Jesus’ early ministry with the story of John the Baptist, explaining his prophetic background and wilderness life, then introducing Jesus as the Son of God. The reading highlights key moments: baptism in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Jesus’ teaching and call to follow; authority over an unclean spirit; healing in Simon and Andrew’s home; and continued prayerful dependence on God. Guiding questions support reflection on faith and spiritual freedom.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

Mark 1:1-13

John the Baptist and his message

Baptism of Jesus

Mark 1:14-34

Jesus’ early preaching and calling

Teaching in the synagogue and unclean spirit

Mark 1:35-45

Jesus prays and withdraws

Healing and authority

Mark 1-3 Jesus' Early Ministry English Spiritual Mark 1-3 Jesus' Early Ministry By: Marlene Custer Illustrations: International Art of Reading 3.0 English USA Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House . All rights reserved. [www.biblehub.com/commentaries](www.biblehub.com/commentaries) [Art of Reading illustrations are cc by-nd.](Art of Reading illustrations are cc by-nd.) Copyright © 2017, Marlene Custer [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) You are free to make commercial use of this work. You may adapt and add to this work. You must keep the copyright and credits for authors, illustrators, etc. Read or listen to Mark 1:1-13 It is believed that the writer of this book, Mark, had a relationship with the Apostle Peter (Acts 12:12), and that Mark probably got much of his information for this book from Peter. The writer knew Jesus was more than just a goodman or prophet. He knew Jesus is the Son of God. The Book of Matthew sees Jesus as King, but Mark sees Him as God’s Servant. Like Jesus, we should love and serve others. Mark begins this gospel with an account of John the Baptist. The ministry of John the Baptist was spoken of by the Prophets Isaiah and Malachi. John was the first prophet since Malachi, 400 years before. John lived in the wilderness, where he wore clothes made of camel hair, and ate wild honey and locusts. His assignment was to prepare the way for Christ’s arrival. “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV) 1. What had the prophet Isaiah said about John the Baptist? 2. What was John’s message? 3. What happened when Jesus came up out of the water? 4. What did the voice from heaven say? 5. Where did the Spirit send Jesus immediately after His baptism? 6. For how long? God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit were all present at the Baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 28:19 (NIV), Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” Have you been baptized? It is important tobe baptized if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Read or listen to Mark 1:14-34 1. What happened to John the Baptist in verse 14? 2. What did Jesus do? 3. Who did Jesus find as he walked along the Sea of Galilee? 4. What did Jesus say to them? 5. What was their answer? 6. If Jesus asked you to follow him, what would your answer be? 7. What did Jesus do at the Synagogue? 8. Why were the people amazed? Jesus is then confronted by an unclean spirit. It is interesting that the evil spirit knew Jesus as the Holy One of God. 9. What did Jesus say to the evil spirit? What happened? 10. Why were the people amazed? How does this make you feel about Jesus'ability to free and protect us from evil spirits? After leaving the synagogue, Jesus and his followers went to the home of Simon and Andrew. 1. Who was sick with a fever? 2. What did Jesus do? What did Simon’smother-in-law do then? 3. What happened that evening? 4. Why would Jesus not allow the demons to speak? Read or listen to Mark 1:35-45 Even though He is God, Jesus still felt the need to pray. How much more we need that daily communication with God.

FAQs

What role did John the Baptist play before Jesus began his ministry?

John prepared the way for Christ’s arrival. His work was foretold by the prophets, and his message called people to respond in preparation for the Messiah.

What happened when Jesus came up out of the water at his baptism?

The baptism included the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. A heavenly voice declared something about Jesus, and the Spirit sent Jesus immediately after.

How do Mark 1-3 emphasize Jesus’ authority and spiritual protection?

Jesus teaches with authority, confronts an unclean spirit, and frees people from evil. The text also connects spiritual strength with daily communication with God through prayer.

Jul 17, 2026

Upload by Rowan