Lenten Season · Year B
First Sunday in Lent
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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Mark 1:9-15 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads Mark's terse baptism, wilderness testing, and kingdom proclamation for preachers.
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 to the cross.
Wild Beasts SALT Project
An ecumenical, ecologically attentive reading of Jesus at peace among the wild beasts.
First Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection tying Jesus' desert testing to the baptismal vows renewed in Lent.
Temptation, Wild Beasts, and Angels Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican homily on the Spirit driving Jesus into the wilderness.
Mark 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Evangelical verse-by-verse notes on Jesus' baptism, temptation, and first preaching.
Classic commentaries on Mark 1 BibleHub
Aggregates classic and modern commentary on the passage in one place.
Background & Word Study
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.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Mark 1:9-15
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.