Mk 1:1-11

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God].^*

The Preaching of John the Baptist. 2^a As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:^{* b}

“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way.

3^c A voice of one crying out in the desert:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight his paths.’”

4John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 6John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.^* He fed on locusts and wild honey. 7And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. 8^{* d} I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus. 9^e It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.^* 11^f And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”