Mark 1:9
Verse
Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
8I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. ”9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
See the subject of these verses which contain the account of our Lord's baptism, explained. Mat 3:13-17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass in those days,.... Whilst John was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, and had large crowds of people flocking to him, to see his person, hear his doctrine, and to be baptized by him; some for one thing, and some another; Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee; the place where he had been brought up, and lived, and dwelt in from his infancy, to this time: and was baptized of John in Jordan; which was the reason of his coming from Nazareth to him; see Mat 3:13, where this is observed; and in some verses following, an account is given of what passed between Christ and John, on this occasion.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a brief account of Christ's baptism and temptation, which were largely related Mt. 3 and 4. I. His baptism, which was his first public appearance, after he had long lived obscurely in Nazareth. O how much hidden worth is there, which in this world is either lost in the dust of contempt and cannot be known, or wrapped up in the veil of humility and will not be known! But sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ's was. 1. See how humbly he owned God, by coming to be baptized of John; and thus it became him to fulfil all righteousness. Thus he took upon him the likeness of sinful flesh, that, though he was perfectly pure and unspotted, yet he was washed as if he had been polluted; and thus for our sakes he sanctified himself, that we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him, Joh 17:19. 2. See how honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John's baptism. Those who justify God, and they are said to do, who were baptized with the baptism of John, he will glorify, Luk 7:29, Luk 7:30. (1.) He saw the heavens opened; thus he was owned to be the Lord from heaven, and had a glimpse of the glory and joy that were set before him, and secured to him, as the recompence of his undertaking. Matthew saith, The heavens were opened to him. Mark saith, He saw them opened. Many have the heavens opened to receive them, but they do not see it; Christ had not only a clear foresight of his sufferings, but of his glory too. (2.) He saw the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. Note, Then we may see heaven opened to us, when we perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God's good work in us is the surest evidence of his good will towards us, and his preparations for us. Justin Martyr says, that when Christ was baptized, a fire was kindled in Jordan: and it is an ancient tradition, that a great light shone round the place; for the Spirit brings both light and heat. (3.) He heard a voice which was intended for his encouragement to proceed in his undertaking, and therefore it is here expressed as directed to him, Thou art my beloved Son. God lets him know, [1.] That he loved him never the less for that low and mean estate to which he had now humbled himself; "Though thus emptied and made of no reputation, yet he is my beloved Son still." [2.] That he loved him much the more for that glorious and kind undertaking in which he had now engaged himself. God is well pleased in him, as referee of all matters in controversy between him and man; and so well pleased in him, as to be well pleased with us in him. II. His temptation. The good Spirit that descended upon him, led him into the wilderness, Mar 1:12. Paul mentions it as a proof that he had his doctrine from God, and not from man - that, as soon as he was called, he went not to Jerusalem, but went into Arabia, Gal 1:17. Retirement from the world is an opportunity of more free converse with God, and therefore must sometimes be chosen, for a while, even by those that are called to the greatest business. Mark observes this circumstance of his being in the wilderness - that he was with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father's care of him, that he was preserved from being torn in pieces by the wild beasts, which encouraged him the more that his Father would provide for him when he was hungry. Special protections are earnests of seasonable supplies. It was likewise an intimation to him of the inhumanity of the men of that generation, whom he was to live among - no better than wild beasts in the wilderness, nay abundantly worse. In that wilderness, 1. The evil spirits were busy with him; he was tempted of Satan; not by any inward injections (the prince of this world had nothing in him to fasten upon), but by outward solicitations. Solicitude often gives advantages to the tempter, therefore two are better than one. Christ himself was tempted, not only to teach us, that it is no sin to be tempted, but to direct us whither to go for succour when we are tempted, even to him that suffered, being tempted; that he might experimentally sympathize with us when we are tempted. 2. The good spirits were busy about him; the angels ministered to him, supplied him with what he needed, and dutifully attended him. Note, The ministration of the good angels about us, is matter of great comfort in reference to the malicious designs of the evil angels against us; but much more doth it befriend us, to have the indwelling of the spirit in our hearts, which they that have, are so born of God, that, as far as they are so, the evil one toucheth them not, much less shall be triumph over them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 Jesus’ home at this time was in Nazareth, a small town in lower Galilee (Matt 2:19-23; Luke 2:39). Jesus soon left Nazareth for Capernaum, a city on the Sea of Galilee (Matt 4:13). • John baptized him: Jesus’ reason for receiving the baptism of repentance is explained in Matt 3:14-15.
Mark 1:9
The Mission of John the Baptist
8I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. ”9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Running, Kneeling, Asking
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K53:30Prayer LifeMAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MAT 19:16MRK 1:9MRK 10:13MRK 10:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, which is told by four different people in the Bible. He encourages the audience to read all four Gospels to get a complete understanding of the story. The speaker then shares a story about a man whose life was shattered by tragedy, causing him to lose his sight. The sermon also focuses on a passage from Mark chapter one, where Jesus encounters a rich young man and instructs him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven.
(John) the Visitation of Nicodemus Regeneration
By Willie Mullan2.0K1:06:10RegenerationMAT 4:6MAT 28:19MRK 1:9JHN 3:16ACT 2:381CO 4:15JAS 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from darkness and evil and stepping into the light of God's love. He explains that God's love was necessary to give humanity Jesus Christ, who went to the cross and paid the price for the sins of the world. It is crucial for individuals to trust in Jesus and believe in him for eternal life. The preacher also warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will not see life but will face the wrath of God. The sermon is based on the teachings of John the Baptist and the Gospel of John.
How to Thrive in the Coming Famine
By Carter Conlon1.2K51:14ISA 41:10MAL 3:10MRK 1:9PHP 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God in impossible situations, encouraging the congregation to live for God's purpose, give to others even in times of need, and have the humility to receive help when necessary. It highlights the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17 as a model of trusting God for provision and reaching out to those in need, showcasing the faithfulness of God in sustaining His people through challenging times.
Homily 3
By Clement of Rome0MRK 1:9ACT 6:1ACT 13:2GAL 6:21PE 5:2Peter appoints Zacchaeus as the bishop to lead the Church, emphasizing the importance of good governance and obedience to Church leaders. He instructs the believers to show love and care for one another, to honour elders, catechists, deacons, widows, and orphans, and to contribute together for the needs of the community. Peter also highlights the significance of baptism, fasting, and seeking guidance through prayer and laying on of hands. He sends out spies to gather information about Simon the magician's activities in Tyre, recognizing the importance of being informed to counter false teachings.
The Glory of the Cross
By Ignatius of Antioch0MAT 1:23MRK 1:9JHN 1:11CO 1:23Ignatius of Antioch preaches about the stumbling-block of the cross to unbelievers and the salvation it brings to believers. He emphasizes the Son of God's eternal existence, His miraculous conception by the Holy Ghost in the womb of Mary, fulfilling the prophecy of a virgin birth. Ignatius highlights Jesus' baptism by John as a confirmation of His divine mission.
The Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:9-11
By R.A. Torrey0The TrinityBaptismMRK 1:9R.A. Torrey explores the significance of Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:9-11, emphasizing its purpose as a divine affirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. He discusses the implications of the Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus and the importance of water baptism in relation to spiritual baptism. Torrey highlights the unique testimony from God, who declares Jesus as His beloved Son, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The sermon also addresses the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, underscoring the distinct roles within the Trinity. Ultimately, Torrey calls believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the importance of obedience to God.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
See the subject of these verses which contain the account of our Lord's baptism, explained. Mat 3:13-17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass in those days,.... Whilst John was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, and had large crowds of people flocking to him, to see his person, hear his doctrine, and to be baptized by him; some for one thing, and some another; Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee; the place where he had been brought up, and lived, and dwelt in from his infancy, to this time: and was baptized of John in Jordan; which was the reason of his coming from Nazareth to him; see Mat 3:13, where this is observed; and in some verses following, an account is given of what passed between Christ and John, on this occasion.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a brief account of Christ's baptism and temptation, which were largely related Mt. 3 and 4. I. His baptism, which was his first public appearance, after he had long lived obscurely in Nazareth. O how much hidden worth is there, which in this world is either lost in the dust of contempt and cannot be known, or wrapped up in the veil of humility and will not be known! But sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ's was. 1. See how humbly he owned God, by coming to be baptized of John; and thus it became him to fulfil all righteousness. Thus he took upon him the likeness of sinful flesh, that, though he was perfectly pure and unspotted, yet he was washed as if he had been polluted; and thus for our sakes he sanctified himself, that we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him, Joh 17:19. 2. See how honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John's baptism. Those who justify God, and they are said to do, who were baptized with the baptism of John, he will glorify, Luk 7:29, Luk 7:30. (1.) He saw the heavens opened; thus he was owned to be the Lord from heaven, and had a glimpse of the glory and joy that were set before him, and secured to him, as the recompence of his undertaking. Matthew saith, The heavens were opened to him. Mark saith, He saw them opened. Many have the heavens opened to receive them, but they do not see it; Christ had not only a clear foresight of his sufferings, but of his glory too. (2.) He saw the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. Note, Then we may see heaven opened to us, when we perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God's good work in us is the surest evidence of his good will towards us, and his preparations for us. Justin Martyr says, that when Christ was baptized, a fire was kindled in Jordan: and it is an ancient tradition, that a great light shone round the place; for the Spirit brings both light and heat. (3.) He heard a voice which was intended for his encouragement to proceed in his undertaking, and therefore it is here expressed as directed to him, Thou art my beloved Son. God lets him know, [1.] That he loved him never the less for that low and mean estate to which he had now humbled himself; "Though thus emptied and made of no reputation, yet he is my beloved Son still." [2.] That he loved him much the more for that glorious and kind undertaking in which he had now engaged himself. God is well pleased in him, as referee of all matters in controversy between him and man; and so well pleased in him, as to be well pleased with us in him. II. His temptation. The good Spirit that descended upon him, led him into the wilderness, Mar 1:12. Paul mentions it as a proof that he had his doctrine from God, and not from man - that, as soon as he was called, he went not to Jerusalem, but went into Arabia, Gal 1:17. Retirement from the world is an opportunity of more free converse with God, and therefore must sometimes be chosen, for a while, even by those that are called to the greatest business. Mark observes this circumstance of his being in the wilderness - that he was with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father's care of him, that he was preserved from being torn in pieces by the wild beasts, which encouraged him the more that his Father would provide for him when he was hungry. Special protections are earnests of seasonable supplies. It was likewise an intimation to him of the inhumanity of the men of that generation, whom he was to live among - no better than wild beasts in the wilderness, nay abundantly worse. In that wilderness, 1. The evil spirits were busy with him; he was tempted of Satan; not by any inward injections (the prince of this world had nothing in him to fasten upon), but by outward solicitations. Solicitude often gives advantages to the tempter, therefore two are better than one. Christ himself was tempted, not only to teach us, that it is no sin to be tempted, but to direct us whither to go for succour when we are tempted, even to him that suffered, being tempted; that he might experimentally sympathize with us when we are tempted. 2. The good spirits were busy about him; the angels ministered to him, supplied him with what he needed, and dutifully attended him. Note, The ministration of the good angels about us, is matter of great comfort in reference to the malicious designs of the evil angels against us; but much more doth it befriend us, to have the indwelling of the spirit in our hearts, which they that have, are so born of God, that, as far as they are so, the evil one toucheth them not, much less shall be triumph over them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 Jesus’ home at this time was in Nazareth, a small town in lower Galilee (Matt 2:19-23; Luke 2:39). Jesus soon left Nazareth for Capernaum, a city on the Sea of Galilee (Matt 4:13). • John baptized him: Jesus’ reason for receiving the baptism of repentance is explained in Matt 3:14-15.