Isaiah 40:1-11

1Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God.

2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the LORD's hand

double for all her sins.

3A voice cries out:

‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

5Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’

6A voice says, ‘Cry out!’

And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’

All people are grass,

their constancy is like the flower of the field.

7The grass withers, the flower fades,

when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;

surely the people are grass.

8The grass withers, the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand for ever.

9Get you up to a high mountain,

O Zion, herald of good tidings;40.9 Or O herald of good tidings to Zion

lift up your voice with strength,

O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,40.9 Or O herald of good tidings to Jerusalem

lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

‘Here is your God!’

10See, the Lord GOD comes with might,

and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him.

11He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead the mother sheep.

Mark 1:1-18

1The beginning of the good news1.1 Or gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.1.1 Other ancient authorities lack the Son of God

2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,1.2 Other ancient authorities read in the prophets

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,1.2 Gk before your face

who will prepare your way;

3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight” ’,

4John the baptizer appeared1.4 Other ancient authorities read John was baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with1.8 Or in water; but he will baptize you with1.8 Or in the Holy Spirit.’

The Baptism of Jesus

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved;1.11 Or my beloved Son with you I am well pleased.’

The Temptation of Jesus

12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news1.14 Or gospel of God,1.14 Other ancient authorities read of the kingdom 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;1.15 Or is at hand repent, and believe in the good news.’1.15 Or gospel

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him.