Mark 1: 9 11 The Baptism Of Jesus

Target year level: Year 1; Year 4

Scripture text

World behind the text

Mark's gospel was written before the other gospels in the Bible. See RESource for more background information on the Gospel of Mark.

Ritual cleansing with water was an important aspect of Jewish religious practice at the time. People would wash their hands and bathe in the Mikveh, which was a ritual bath. This ensured they were purified and ready for prayer. Therefore, when Jesus goes into the water, this connection is similar to that of cleansing and bathing in ‘living water’.

World of the text

“Heavens torn apart” is symbolising the beginning of connection between heaven and earth. It could also have meant a physical space (sky) or to the spiritual dwelling place of God, maybe both.

The dove-like image develops the idea of communication from God and connects to that hovering over the waters at creation (Gen 1:2)

“Voice from heaven” - also a description of a communication from God. The writer of Mark’s gospel probably interpreted the heavenly voice as confirmation of the already existing relationship between God and Jesus.

A close reading of the Baptism of Jesus in the gospel of Mark, as well as a comparison with the same story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, will help students to see that both Matthew and Luke used material from Mark to write their own gospels.

World in front of the text

What is different about how people are baptised in the church today?

Look at images of different baptismal fonts: How do the baptismal fonts reflect elements of the story, for example, “coming out of the water” for example.

How are the stories remembered in the life of the Church? (e.g. the sacrament of Baptism.) Have I been baptised? Is this a new beginning?

What are key symbols used in the sacrament of Baptism to reflect baptism in the Jordan?

“Baptism” means to be plunged or dipped into. What does this mean for believers today? (Transformation? To take on?)