Saturday in the Word | Mark 1 – The Devotional Guy™

Friends, thank you so much for continuing to join me in our journey studying our Simple Bible Reading Plan. Previously, we looked at Luke 1 and Luke 2. Today we will delve into the Gospel of Mark. Matthew, Mark, and Luke comprise what are commonly known as the Synoptic Gospels, a fancy way of saying they share a lot of the same stories, just told from different viewpoints and different storytelling styles, intended for different audiences.

Though the book is anonymous, Christian tradition identifies John Mark (Acts 12:12) as the author. It is believed that Mark may have based his Gospel on Peter’s preaching and wrote his version of events sometime in the 50s or 60s A.D. (a long time ago).

The Gospel of Mark stresses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Through Mark, we learn that Jesus announced the Kingdom of God, healed the sick, and died as a ransom for sinners. In addition to Jesus Christ, Mark shows us three main groups of people: the disciples, the crowds, and the religious leaders. None of them truly understood Jesus and the significance of His presence. [The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mk). (2025). Crossway Bibles.]

Mark 1 is a captivating chapter introducing the ministry of Jesus and setting the stage for His mission. In the Gospel of Mark we see a lot of activity happening very quickly.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of Mark 1.

The Beginning of the Gospel (Mark 1:1-3): The chapter opens with the proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God. It’s right there, bold and in the open. Mark doesn’t mince words or waste time. He gets right to the heart of the matter. Verse 1 states, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” In verse 2 and 3, Mark shares a prophecy heralding the coming of a messenger: “As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight…’
John the Baptist’s Ministry (Mark 1:4-8): John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them for the forgiveness of sins. His message emphasizes preparation for the coming of Jesus. John the Baptist declares in verse 8, “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In his opening pericope, Mark shares the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Testament, highlighting that Jesus offers humanity a deeper transformation through the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11): Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John in the Jordan River. Upon His baptism, the heavens open, and a voice declares, “And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
It is a historic moment signifying Jesus’ identity and the Divine approval of His mission.
The Temptation of Jesus (Mark 1:12-13): Immediately following His baptism, the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness where He faces temptation for forty days. This experience strengthens Jesus for His public ministry and reflects the human struggle against sin. I find it reassuring to recognize that Jesus knows my struggles firsthand. It’s not theoretical for Him.
Jesus Begins to Preach (Mark 1:14-15): After John is imprisoned, Jesus begins to proclaim the good news of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This is the core message of the Gospel inviting us to respond in faith.
The Calling of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16-20): Jesus calls Simon (Peter) and Andrew, then James and John, to follow Him. Their immediate response illustrates the call to discipleship: they left everything to follow Jesus. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t form a committee. They didn’t debate. Christ’ call on their lives, like ours, is radical, as is the transformation that comes with discipleship.
Jesus Heals and Drives Out Evil Spirits (Mark 1:21-34): In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority, heals a man possessed by an impure spirit, and performs numerous healings (including Simon’s mother-in-law). These acts demonstrate His divine authority and compassion for the afflicted. Again, He knows the trouble we experience firsthand. It’s not theoretical for Him.
Jesus Prays (Mark 1:35-39): Early in the morning, Jesus seeks solitude to pray, emphasizing the importance of prayer in His life, and serving as a model for us. After spending time in prayer, He continues His ministry. This passage is a real glimpse of our the need for spiritual renewal amid our service. We can’t pour out from an empty cup.
Healing a Leper (Mark 1:40-45): Chapter 1 ends with Jesus healing a man with leprosy. In response to the man’s plea, Jesus touches him and heals him. This heartfelt act of compassion demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to reach out to those considered unclean and outcast. He cares for the vulnerable and marginalized.

Mark 1 reveals Jesus’ authority, His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and the nature of discipleship. Mark invites us to respond with repentance and faith, just as those early followers did.

A Prayer of Application

Lord Jesus,
You step into ordinary places: roads, rivers, homes, synagogues and we see everything change. You are baptized into our brokenness, not because You need repentance, but because You choose to stand with us. You call people who are working, tired, distracted,
and simply say, “Follow Me.”

Not after they improve. Not after they understand. “Follow Me.”

You speak with authority that doesn’t crush but instead restores. You boldly confront what binds us: fear, illness, unclean spirits. You do not turn away from those the world avoids.

Teach me to begin with repentance that clears space for the Kingdom, with obedience that responds before it explains, with compassion that moves toward suffering instead of managing it from a distance.

When the crowds grow loud and the needs multiply, please lead me back to quiet places, where prayer re-centers me in the Father’s will.

May my life, like Yours, Sweet Jesus,
be marked by both holy urgency and holy withdrawal, by presence with people and intimacy with God. In Your name I pray. Amen.

In case you’re wondering, for reference and research, I often use Logos, in addition to my copy of God’s Word.

Join me next Saturday as we explore Mark 9.