Lenten Season · First Sunday of Lent · Year B
Mark 1:12-15
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
February 14, 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 1:9-15 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads Mark's terse wilderness testing among the wild beasts and the opening kingdom proclamation.
Mark 1:9-15 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed homiletical reading asking why we should heed Jesus' call to repent and follow him toward the cross.
First Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection tying Jesus' desert testing to the baptismal vows renewed during Lent.
The First Sunday in Lent, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre walks through the temptation in the desert and the whole Sunday's readings in their Jewish context.
Temptation, Wild Beasts, and Angels Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican homily on the Spirit driving Jesus into the wilderness at the start of Lent.
Mark 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Evangelical verse-by-verse notes on Jesus' temptation and his first preaching of the kingdom.
Background & Word Study
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Worship & Prayers
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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