He was baptized, v.9-11. We pick up Mark’s rapidly moving story with the baptism of Jesus. (9) As we get into this verse, it is important to remember Jesus was sinless. He needed no baptism of repentance. Still, He was baptized. Other gospel accounts provide more details, but Mark is brief. He gives a record of the facts with little to no theological commentary. What is Jesus doing here? Why was He baptized? In His baptism He associated Himself with us, sinners, and placed Himself among the guilty. This was not for His own salvation but for ours! This was not for His guilt but for ours! This was not because He feared the wrath to come, no, He was beginning the work of His task to save us from that wrath! “Jesus did, after all, have sin, namely ours. Is not this answer suggested by Isa. 53:6 (“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah has laid on him the iniquity of us all”) … It would appear, therefore, that the demand of Jesus to be baptized by John signified his solemn resolution to take upon himself the guilt of those for whom he was going to die. In a sense, by means of baptism Jesus was fulfilling part of his task of laying down his life for his sheep." (Hendriksen) In vv.10-11 we get the record of what happened as Jesus was baptized. (10-11) This is a great example in the scripture of the triune nature of God. God the Father speaks, the Son is being baptized, the Spirit descends. (All 3 in one place and time) It is interesting to think of the significance of the Spirit coming down upon Jesus. He is already divine, thus 1 with the Spirit. Jesus is God from all of eternity. “We tend to think that Jesus performed His miracles in His divine nature. Actually, He performed them in His human nature through the power of the Holy Spirit given to Him at His baptism. It was there that God empowered Jesus to fulfill the mission He had been given.” (Sproul) There never was a time in the life of our Lord when He was not filled with the Holy Spirit. But here we find the Holy Spirit came upon Him. And conclude, anointed Him for service and endued Him with power. This was a special ministry of the Spirit, preparatory to the three years of service that lay ahead. This is such an important idea in scripture for us to grasp. The power of the Holy Spirit is indispensable. Talent will never be enough. “A person may be educated, talented, and fluent, yet without that mysterious quality which we call “unction,” his service is lifeless and ineffective.” (MacDonald) Are you personally dependent upon the empowering of the Holy Spirit in your life moment by moment? He was tempted in the wilderness, v.12-13. When He was baptized, Jesus’ ministry was inaugurated, but before it went public, He had to undergo a time of testing. The second Adam, just like the first Adam, was put in a place of testing, where He was exposed to Satan’s assaults. Already He has the tools needed to face this temptation. God the Father has said to Him: You are My Son, I love You, I am pleased with You! The Holy Spirit has come upon Him. Further, Mark records that angels come to minister to Him. Let this be a reminder to you that God always takes care of those who are doing His will. 1 Cor. 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” He preached, v.14-15. From Mark’s record of Jesus’ preaching early in His ministry, we find 3 main points: The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe. The time is fulfilled. You’ve been waiting and preparing. The long-awaited Messiah is here! The kingdom of God is at hand. (King Jesus was before them!) Repent and believe. To be part of God's kingdom, they had to repent of sin. Turn away from it, stop doing it. This is more than just confessing it, saying sorry, asking for forgiveness. This was a purposeful change of lifestyle. Second, they must believe the good news concerning the Lord Jesus. It is unique that Jesus is preaching this to them. Still, He is Who they must trust in to enter the kingdom. As Jesus begins His Ministry: He is baptized, tempted, preaches… He called followers, v.16-20. Mark records specifically the calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John. First, notice this was a non-traditional approach in their day. Jesus, as a rabbi, went around and found those He wanted to become His followers. Typically, those wanting to be followers would approach the Rabbi. Second, know that these Jesus called weren’t poor guys with nothing better to do. These guys were fishermen in one of the most profitable fishing centers of the world at the time! (They had hired servants) They left their careers, inheritance, tools, and family to follow Jesus. Third, notice the immediacy of their obedience. Does Jesus tell them where they are going? What exactly they will be doing? (Sort of?) He says, “Follow me,” and they go right along. This is still Jesus’ process to this day… When He calls you, He expects you to leave everything and follow Him. We often make salvation out to be something with less of a commitment. But true salvation, though God’s free gift, in reality, will cost you everything. Finally, take note that Jesus does not intend to go this alone. He recruits a team. He gathers a group of friends to serve with together. Too often we have such a “personal” relationship with Jesus that we leave others out of the equation. The Christian life is not to be faced alone, we are to go together just as Jesus did. Conclusion: This is Mark’s record of how Jesus begins His Ministry. He is baptized. He is tempted. He preaches. He calls followers. We find here: Confirmation of Who He is. Ordination of What He does. Recognition of what we too should be doing.