Epiphany Season · Baptism of the Lord · Year B
Mark 1:7-11
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
January 10, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Mark 1:3)
This passage is the “prologue” to Mark (cf. John 1:1–18), and the purpose is to inform the reader about the primary truths in the book, especially the identification of Jesus. In the rest of the book we will see the primary groups (disciples, crowds, leaders, demons) wrestle with the truths that we, the readers, know from this prologue: Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God who has come to bring God’s final kingdom to reality and fulfill all the hopes of the Old Testament. By centering the action on John the Baptist as the forerunner and on Satan as the primary opponent, Mark also introduces us to the conflict and polar oppositions occasioned by Jesus. The passage is framed by Jesus’s Son of God status, stated at the outset (1:1) and confirmed by the very voice of God (1:11). This prologue is framed (introduction, vv. 1–3; conclusion, vv. 14–15) with the gospel, the arrival of God’s kingdom with Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
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Commentary
Commentary on Mark 1:4-11 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the exact Baptism of the Lord Year B Gospel, tracing Mark's baptism scene within the whole gospel arc.
Mark 1:4-11 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary from Calvin Seminary reading the baptism as a revelation of the triune God.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Mark Chapter 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical commentary on John's preparatory ministry and the baptism of Jesus.
The Baptism of the Lord, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre explains why Jesus submits to John's baptism and how the readings connect, from a Catholic biblical scholar.
Transformed in Baptism, Epiphany 1 (B) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Episcopal sermon reading Mark's baptism as Jesus' revelation as the beloved Son.
The Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer activities for the Sunday's readings.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Why Do You Come to Me? The Baptism of Jesus Journey with Jesus
Lectionary essay on Jesus wading into the Jordan in solidarity with sinners.
The God Who Enters Our Muddy Waters, Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Robert Barron preaches the Incarnation logic of Jesus standing among sinners at his baptism.
Questions preachers ask
Who is John the Baptist in Mark's opening?
John is the wilderness voice who fulfills Isaiah, baptizing for repentance and pointing past himself: one is coming, mightier than he, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
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