Mark 1:1-15

Sermon Series: The Gospel of Jesus Christ -Following the Son of God through the Gospel of Mark

Mark 1:1-15

Pastor Jared Carline | July 12, 2026

Text: Mark 1:1–15

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As 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,’”

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, (K)confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And 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.”

The Baptism of Jesus

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And 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. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Temptation of Jesus

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being (AB)tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Big Idea:  Jesus is the Son of God who calls us to repent and believe the Gospel.

Outline:

1. Receive the Gospel of Jesus (Mark 1:1)

Mark opens with a bold declaration: this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The gospel is not good advice about how to improve our lives, but good news about what God has done for sinners through His Son.

2. Recognize the Testimony About Jesus (Mark 1:2–11)

Before Jesus begins His public ministry, Mark gives us witness after witness pointing to who He is. The prophets, John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father all testify that Jesus is the promised Son of God and Savior.

3. Stand Firm Against the Enemy of Jesus (Mark 1:12–13)

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. In a place of weakness and testing, Jesus stands firm, reminding us that spiritual warfare is real and that our Savior is faithful in the battle.

4. Respond to the Call of Jesus (Mark 1:14–15)

Jesus comes proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand and calling people to repent and believe the gospel. Mark’s opening chapter does not simply introduce us to Jesus, it confronts us with the question of how we will respond to Him.