Gospel of Mark Bible Part 3: Baptism of Jesus [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
Bible Study Title: The Baptism of Jesus
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:9-11
Opening Prayer
Ask God to open your eyes to the significance of Jesus’ baptism and to help you understand how it applies to your own walk with Him.
Introduction
The baptism of Jesus marks the transition between the ministry of John the Baptist and the public ministry of Christ. It is a pivotal moment filled with visual, audible, and spiritual confirmation of His identity as the Son of God. This event answers two key questions:
Why was Jesus baptized?
What does His baptism reveal about ours?
Bible Reading
Read aloud Mark 1:9-11 and Matthew 3:13-17 for the full context.
Section 1 – The Setting of Jesus’ Baptism
Jesus traveled about 100 miles from Nazareth to the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.
Baptism here meant full immersion—indicating the seriousness and symbolism of the act.
This was the height of John’s ministry, making it a moment of public recognition for Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
What does Jesus’ willingness to travel such a great distance say about His commitment to doing the Father’s will?
How does the setting emphasize the importance of baptism in God’s plan?
Section 2 – Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Not for repentance or forgiveness—Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus said it was “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
It was God’s will for people to be baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).
It served as His public introduction to Israel (John 1:29-34).
Key Point: Jesus was modeling obedience and submission to God’s will.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it important for leaders and teachers to model obedience in their own lives?
How does Jesus’ example challenge our own approach to God’s commands?
Section 3 – The Father and the Spirit’s Testimony
The heavens were “torn open,” and the Spirit descended like a dove.
The Father’s voice declared, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”
This moment reveals the unity and distinction within the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Discussion Questions:
How does this scene help you understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Why was public confirmation from the Father and Spirit important for the start of Jesus’ ministry?
Section 4 – Application for Christian Baptism
Our baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
It unites us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-7).
If we die to self, we walk in newness of life; if not, we remain slaves to sin.
Reflection: If Jesus—who had no sin—obeyed God’s command to be baptized, how much more should we who need forgiveness?
Discussion Questions:
How does your baptism influence the way you live daily?
In what ways can baptism serve as a public declaration of your faith?
Memory Verse
Matthew 3:15 – “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Closing Challenge
Jesus’ baptism was not just a ritual—it was an act of obedience, a declaration of identity, and a launching point for ministry. As disciples, our baptism should also mark a decisive break from the old life and a commitment to doing the Father’s will.
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