Mark

Prologue

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, [the Son of God].

John the Baptist

It is written in the book of Isaiah, the prophet:

“I am sending my messenger

ahead of you to prepare your way.

 Let the people hear the voice

calling in the desert:

Prepare the way of the Lord,

level his paths.”

So John began to baptize in the desert, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins, and to be baptized by him in the river Jordan.

John was dressed in camel’s hair and bore a leather belt around his waist. His food consisted of locusts and honey.

He preached to the people, saying:

“After me comes someone more powerful than I am;

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

Baptism of Jesus

At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And as he came up out of the water, heaven opened above him, and he saw the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 

 And these words were heard from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen.”

The Trial in the Desert

Then the Spirit led him into the desert.

 Jesus stayed there for forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, but angels ministered to him.

His Proclamation Begins

After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God.

He said:

“The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.”

He Calls His First Disciples

As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them:

“Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 

Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. 

Jesus went a little farther on and saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee; they were in their boat mending their nets. 

Immediately, Jesus called them, and they followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men.

He Teaches and Exorcises in Capernaum

They went into the town of Capernaum, and Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath.

The people were amazed by the way he taught, for he spoke with authority, not like the teachers of the law. 

It happened that a man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue 

and he shouted:

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One of God.”

Then Jesus faced him and said with authority:

“Be silent and come out of this man!”

The evil spirit violently shook the man and, with a loud shriek, left him.

Everyone was amazed and asked:

“What is this? With what authority does he preach? He even commands evil spirits, and they obey him!”

And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.

Heals and Exorcises Around the House

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon and Andrew’s house, along with James and John.

Since Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, they immediately informed him about her. 

Jesus went to her and, taking her by the hand, lifted her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. 

That evening, at sundown, people brought all the sick and those possessed by evil spirits to Jesus: 

 the whole town was pressing around the door. 

 Jesus healed many who had different illnesses and cast out many demons, but he did not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.

Jesus’ Prayer and Mission

Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went to a secluded place where he prayed.

Simon and the others also went out looking for him; 

and when they found him, they said:

“Everyone is looking for you.”

Then Jesus replied:

“Let us go to the nearby villages so I can preach there too; that is why I came.”

So Jesus began to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee, and he also cast out demons.

Heals a Leper

A leper approached Jesus and begged him:

“If you want to, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying:

“I do want to; be clean.”

The leprosy instantly left the man, and he was made clean. 

As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him: 

“Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest; and for the cleansing, bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way, you will give them your testimony.”

 However, as soon as the man went out, he started spreading the news everywhere, so Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in rural areas, people came to him from all over.