Read Mark 1:4-11

Read Mark 1:4-11

4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching.^b “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” ⁵Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the River Jordan.

6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. ⁷He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. ⁸I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 Not long afterwards Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”

Think

"But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Pray

Just as cloth dipped in dye changes colour; when I am soaked in your Holy Spirit change my nature.

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^b John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching; some manuscripts have John the Baptist appeared in the desert, preaching.

6  1.6: 2 K 1:8

¹¹ 1.11: Gn 22:2; Ps 2:7; Is 42:1; Mt 3:17; 12:18; Mk 9:7; Lk 3:22