Mark 1:4-11 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:4-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Verse 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Verse 6Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Verse 7He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. Verse 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Verse 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Verse 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Verse 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotion
Jesus’ public ministry began with his being baptized by John in the Jordan River. John had appeared as a prophet calling on the people to repent of their sin and be baptized (literally, washed). John also proclaimed that a greater person was coming soon who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the one who came. He was baptized in the river by John and then all heaven broke loose! As a bird might swoop down and light on someone, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Then a voice thundered from heaven: “You are my Son, my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
When we are baptized into Christ all of this happens to us; we are given the Holy Spirit and we are called children of God, adopted sons and daughters. Things are never the same again, for no matter what happens, this (baptism) has happened.
Prayer
O God our Father, make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to our calling to be your sons and daughters, and empower us all with your Spirit, that we may follow your Son in service to you and to all creation. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.