This document provides commentary on Mark 1:9-11 which describes Jesus' baptism. It notes that Jesus, from the despised region of Galilee, associated with sinners. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on him, and a voice from heaven declared him God's beloved Son. The document suggests Jesus was setting an example by being baptized, though sinless, and allowing himself to be numbered with sinners. It emphasizes that Jesus identifies with all people, no matter their background or sins.

2. Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

3. “ Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee…” - Did people from Galilee come to seek Baptism and repent of their sins? Galilee was a region that wasn’t respected by others. It was an area that was diverse and not seen as pure or holy. Nazareth is located in Galilee and even the neighboring towns within the region seemed to look down on Nazareth. Joh 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Joh 1:46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

4. Jesus associated himself with the lowly and sinners. He came from an outcast region and town. There isn’t anyone who Jesus is unwilling to associate Himself with. Jesus is willing to reach into every area of our lives, no matter how dirty or disgusting. He came to heal the sick, not the righteous.

5. “ Was baptized by John in the Jordan ” Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Did he sin? Did he repent? Jesus was just said to be the greater baptizer and yet he is baptized. Again, we see Jesus associated himself with all sinners who would repent. He ultimately associates himself with our sin by becoming sin on the cross.

6. Immediately he saw the heavens opening up “ opening” means rent, or torn open Is an answer to a prayer from long ago: Isa 64:1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence When the heavens open up, something big is happening!!!!

7. Spirit descending on him like a dove Jesus was anointed with the Spirit!!! Who anointed him? Who anoints us? The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is in us!!! Jesus doesn’t start His ministry until He is anointed!!! We also can’t effectively live a life of faith apart from the Holy Spirit.

8. And a voice came from heaven “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased” Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isa 42:2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; Isa 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Isa 42:4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Isa 42:5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: Isa 42:6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, Isa 42:7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

9. Are you holding anything back from Jesus in your life? Are you stuck up and refuse to associate yourself with the lowly in your schools?

10. Did you screw up this week? Are you feeling down? Do you wish you were perfect? Remember that He became our sin so that we wouldn’t face punishment!!!!

11. As the Father was happy with Jesus, so He is with us who are in Christ!!!