John the Baptist

Verses 1 - 8

1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the prophets,

“Behold, I send My messenger before your face,

who will prepare Your way before You:

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness,

‘Make ready the way of the LORD!

Make His paths straight!’ ”

4 John came baptising [or, immersing] in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptised by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.



6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

7 He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.

8 I baptised you in [The Greek word (en) translated here as “in”.] water, but he will baptise you in the Holy Spirit.”

John Baptises Jesus

Verses 9 - 11

9 In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised by John in the Jordan.

10 Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11 A voice came out of the sky,

“You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus is Tempted

Verses 12 - 13

12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him out into the wilderness.

13 He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were ministered by serving Him.

Jesus Starts His Ministry in Galilee

Verses 14 - 15

14 Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom,

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen as Disciples

Verses 16 - 20

16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

17 Jesus said to them, “Come after and follow Me, and I will make you into fishers for men.”

18 Immediately they left their nets, and followed Him.

19 Going on a little further from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

20 Immediately He called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after and followed Him.

Unclean Spirit Obeys Jesus

Verses 21 - 28

21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue and taught.

22 They were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as having authority [from God], and not as the scribes.

23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

24 saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with You, Jesus, You Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are: the Holy One of God!”

25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned amongst themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!”

28 The report of Him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.

Jesus Heals Many After Sabbath Sunset

Verses 32 - 34

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons.

33 All the city was gathered together at the door.

34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Jesus Preaches and Heals in Galilee

Verses 35 - 39

35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, He rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.

36 Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.

37 They found Him and told Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

38 He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”

39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.