Mark 1
Luke 1 serves as the introduction to the entire Gospel, containing the purpose of the writing and the introduction of the early figures. Luke emphasizes the precise reason for writing the Gospel and the carefulness behind it, preparing the story of Christ’s birth. This chapter describes the faith backgrounds of the main characters—such as Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph—and the process of God’s promises being fulfilled.
1verseThe beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2verseAs it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you:
3versethe voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’”
4verseJohn came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
5verseAll the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.
6verseJohn was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
7verseHe preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.
8verseI baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
9verseIn those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10verseImmediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11verseA voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
12verseImmediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness.
13verseHe was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.
14verseNow after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom,
15verseand saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
16versePassing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
17verseJesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.”
18verseImmediately they left their nets, and followed him.
19verseGoing on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.
20verseImmediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.
21verseThey went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.
22verseThey were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
23verseImmediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,
24versesaying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!”
25verseJesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
26verseThe unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27verseThey were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
28verseThe report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.
29verseImmediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30verseNow Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.
31verseHe came and took her by the hand and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she served them.
32verseAt evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons.
33verseAll the city was gathered together at the door.
34verseHe healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35verseEarly in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
36verseSimon and those who were with him searched for him.
37verseThey found him and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
38verseHe said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”
39verseHe went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.
40verseA leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”
41verseBeing moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.”
42verseWhen he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean.
43verseHe strictly warned him and immediately sent him out,
44verseand said to him, “See that you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
45verseBut he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.
Zechariah and Elizabeth: The Announcement of John the Baptist
In the opening part, the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth appear. They are righteous, yet they are grieving because they have no child. The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple and announces the birth of a son (John). When Zechariah doubts, a sign is given: he will be unable to speak until the son is born. This section shows humanity’s limits and the training of faith under God’s plan.
Mary and the Announcement of Jesus’ Birth
Six months later, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, in Nazareth of Galilee, and tells her about the birth of Jesus. Mary, a young virgin, is astonished, yet she shows faith that obeys in the grace and plan of God. The two events—the announcement of John and the announcement of Jesus—unfold in parallel, revealing the connection between God’s work of redemption through these two figures.
The Meeting of Mary and Elizabeth: A Song and Blessing
When Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy, and the two women bless one another. At this time, Mary sings the “Song of Mary (the Magnificat),” praising God. This song focuses on humility and grace, as well as God’s faithful promises.
The Birth of John and Zechariah’s Song
When Elizabeth gives birth to a son and names the child John, Zechariah’s mouth is opened, and he praises God. Zechariah’s song (Zechariah’s prophecy) sings about the saving work God has carried out among Israel and proclaims the mission of John the Baptist. Luke 1 concludes with the announcement of John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ births, along with the faith and praises of their respective parents.
Reflection Points
- Can I trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled according to His own way and timing?
- Through Zechariah’s silence and Mary’s obedience, can I examine my own attitude of faith?
- Think about whether we can become those who cooperate with God’s plan and respond in faith.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In situations that seem impossible in my life, am I trusting in God’s power?
- In ordinary everyday life, discover God’s calling and check whether you are living with obedience and praise.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
