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Scott's Reference Library
Mark 1:9 through Mark 1:15 (NIV)
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John
in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being
torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from
heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert
forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels
attended him.
14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good
news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent
and believe the good news!”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 9-13
Christ’s baptism was his first public appearance, after he had long lived
unknown. How much hidden worth is there, which in this world is not known! But
sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ was. He took upon himself the
likeness of sinful flesh; and thus, for our sakes, he sanctified himself, that
we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him, John 17:19. See how
honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John’s baptism. He saw the Spirit
descending upon him like a dove. We may see heaven opened to us, when we
perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God’s good work in us, is
sure evidence of his good will towards us, and preparations for us. As to
Christ’s temptation, Mark notices his being in the wilderness and that he was
with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father’s care of him, which
encouraged him the more that his Father would provide for him. Special
protections are earnests of seasonable supplies. The serpent tempted the first
Adam in the garden, the Second Adam in the wilderness; with different success
indeed; and ever since he still tempts the children of both, in all places and
conditions. Company and conversation have their temptations; and being alone,
even in a wilderness, has its own also. No place or state exempts, no business,
not lawful labouring, eating, or drinking, not even fasting and praying; often
in these duties there are the most assaults, but in them is the sweetest
victory. The ministration of the good angels is matter of great comfort in
reference to the malignant designs of the evil angels; but much more does it
comfort us, to have the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
VERSES 14-22
Jesus began to preach in Galilee, after that John was put in prison. If some be
laid aside, others shall be raised up, to carry on the same work. Observe the
great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we
have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from
our sins. Christ has joined these two together, and let no man think to put them
asunder. Christ puts honour upon those who, though mean in this world, are
diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good
and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ
calls, must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to
do so. Not that we must needs go out of the world, but we must sit loose to the
world; forsake every thing that is against our duty to Christ, and that cannot
be kept without hurt to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the sabbath day, by
applying himself unto, and abounding in the sabbath work, in order to which the
sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is
astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.