Jesus is Baptized

Big Idea: Jesus steps onto the scene in a way that would have went unnoticed. He came from Nazareth in Galilee without a parade or entourage with Him. Humbly He enters into the narrative. Then to make it even more head scratching, He is baptized by a man that has been baptizing and preaching repentance to groups of sinners! The difference between the men who came to John and Jesus is revealed when the heavens open, the Spirit descends and the Father speaks. This is no ordinary man, but He is, as John declares: 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!' 

Text: Mark 1:9-11 (NASB) 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Read: Mark 1:9- In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

1. What kind of days was Jesus stepping into? What was taking place in Israel during this time?

2. Why do you think God pre-ordained that the Messiah would come from Galilee and not some highly esteemed place?

3. What does this say about our God that He would send His Son to dwell among those He created, yet not be esteemed? 

Read: Mark 1:10 And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him; 

1. John's baptism was called a baptism of repentance. The record in Luke 3 describes people coming to him that have need of repentance for the evil deeds they have done. Yet, Jesus is baptized by the same man in the same waters. Did Jesus have need to repent? Why was He baptized by John if He had no sin? 

2. In your eyes, how important is the baptism of Jesus by John? What did it do or accomplish?

3. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus? Did Jesus have the Holy Spirit before the Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove?

Read Mark 1:11 and a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

1. This is the first time we see the complete trinitarian God on display. What was the main focus of both the dove (Holy Spirit) and the Father? 

2. What does the Father mean when He says "in You I am well pleased."?