The Gospel of Mark is fascinating, and in its earliest form, it can be referred to as the Gospel of Peter. According to most scholars, Peter and Mark wrote it together. The Gospels had been told, memorized and shared, but eventually, they wrote it down so people could remember what happened. In my imagination, I see these two deciding where to begin.

It was the exciting memory of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist that came to them! John was a peculiar man who dressed in camel hair, and ate locust and honey. As a prophet, he was in mourning for the nation of Israel, the evil that it inflicted, and called the people to repent. He announced Jesus’ coming in Luke 3:16: “John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire…’ “ When Jesus arrived, John baptized Him.

Friend, it is reasonable to ask, “Why would Jesus need to be baptized if He was sinless?” Through baptism, Jesus received grace from the Father. As Jesus came out of the water, the voice of God stated with grace: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Grace means mercy and unmerited favor. As Jesus lived in the power and grace of the Father, let’s do the same.