Epiphany Season · Year B
Baptism of the Lord
If Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday then the "Baptism of the Lord" is the next day on Monday, and "Ordinary Time" starts Tuesday. · 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
Mark 1:4-11 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads Mark's stripped-down baptism scene, the torn heavens and heavenly voice launching Jesus' mission.
Mark 1:4-11 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed, sermon-shaped reading of the Trinitarian moment at the Jordan and Jesus' solidarity with sinners.
The Baptism of the Lord Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
A Catholic homily on why the sinless Christ steps down into the sinners' water out of love.
Transformed in Baptism Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal preaching resource reading the baptism as Mark's birth narrative for Jesus.
Showing Forth SALT Project
An ecumenical reading of Jesus getting in line with sinners as the humility of the Incarnation.
Mark 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary widely used across evangelical churches.
Scripture in Depth Saint Louis University
Catholic scholarship on Mark's 'high context' baptism account and its Isaiah echoes.
Background & Word Study
The Sky Tearing and a Voice Crying Left Behind and Loving It
A close Greek reading of the violent verb schizo for the heavens ripped apart and its echo at the cross.
The baptism of Jesus in Mark 1 Psephizo · Ian Paul
An Anglican scholar situates the baptism within Mark's water imagery and eschatological urgency.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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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