Study Guide: Jesus’ Baptism (Mark 1:9–11)
Study Guide: Jesus’ Baptism (Mark 1:9–11)
Jesus’ baptism is the public anointing and royal commissioning of the Son: the heavens are torn open, the Spirit descends, and the Father declares His delight. In this act, Jesus identifies with Israel, fulfills righteousness, and inaugurates the Spirit-age.
Outcomes (what participants should walk away with)
Grasp the symbolism and fulfillment in Jesus’ baptism (Exodus echo, royal anointing, Spirit baptism).
Embrace a lifestyle of repentance and humility that prepares the Lord’s way.
Renew allegiance to King Jesus and openness to the Spirit’s empowering.
Session Flow (60–75 minutes)
1) Warm-Up (5–8 min)
Share a place in your town that feels like a “hidden Nazareth”—overlooked but significant to God. Why?
2) Read Scripture Aloud (5 min)
Primary: Mark 1:9–11
Echo Texts: Exodus 14:21; Matthew 3:13–17; John 1:32–34; 1 Samuel 16:13
3) Leader Snapshot (2–3 min)
Contrast: Jerusalem/Judea crowds vs. the one Galilean—Jesus from poor, overlooked Nazareth.
Torn Heavens: Same verb used for the Red Sea “parting”—Mark signals a new Exodus.
Anointing: Spirit descends like a dove → royal anointing, as with David (1 Sam 16:13).
Voice: “Beloved Son” → Son of David (royal) and Son of God (divine).
4) Dig Deeper: Discussion (30–35 min)
A. Identification & Fulfillment
If Jesus is sinless, why be baptized? How does “to fulfill all righteousness” (Mt 3:15) connect to Israel’s story and the Red Sea?
Where do you see the new Exodus theme in your own walk—God making a way where there was none?
B. Anointing & Kingship
3) What does the Spirit’s descent communicate about Jesus’ mission and power?
4) “Beloved Son” carries royal overtones (Davidic). How does this shape your understanding of Jesus as King, not only Savior?
C. Spirit Baptism & Our Allegiance
5) John’s water baptism pointed to Spirit baptism (Mk 1:8; Jn 1:33). What’s the difference, and how have you experienced the Spirit’s empowering?
6) If baptism is a public allegiance to the King, what practices keep that allegiance front-and-center weekly?
D. Humility & Hiddenness
7) How does Jesus’ Nazareth background challenge our assumptions about where God’s work “should” happen?
8) Where might God be inviting you to decrease so Christ increases in family or ministry?
5) Life Application (10–12 min)
Pick one this week:
Repentance Rhythm: Each evening, pray Psalm 139:23–24 and confess specifically; receive 1 John 1:9.
Allegiance Practice: Speak a daily creed: “Jesus, You are my King. I belong to You. Fill me with Your Spirit.”
Hidden Nazareth Act: Do a quiet, unseen act of service—no announcement, no credit.
6) Prayer (5–8 min)
Thank the Father for declaring delight over the Son—and in Christ, over His people.
Ask the Spirit to fill, empower, and commission afresh.
Close by reading Mark 1:11 together as a blessing.
Leader Notes & Background (quick reference)
Nazareth: small, poor, geographically isolated—Jesus emerges from obscurity with royal calling.
“Torn open” (schizomenous): echoes Exod 14:21—God inaugurates a salvation event; now the barrier between heaven and earth is opened.
Royal Anointing: Kings anointed with oil; here, the Spirit is the anointing (1 Sam 16:13 → Mk 1:10).
Beloved = Davidic: “Beloved Son” nods to the Son of David promise and divine sonship.
Two baptisms: John’s water/repentance anticipates Jesus’ Spirit/fire baptism—cleansing, empowering, belonging.
Family / Personal Devotional (3 Days)
Day 1 – New Exodus
Read: Mark 1:9–10; Exodus 14:21
Journal: Where do I need God to “split the sea” this week?
Pray: “Lord, make a way and lead me through.”
Day 2 – Royal Anointing
Read: Mark 1:10; 1 Samuel 16:13
Journal: How am I relying on the Spirit rather than self-effort?
Practice: 10 minutes of silence, inviting the Spirit’s presence.
Day 3 – The Father’s Voice
Read: Mark 1:11; Romans 8:15–16
Journal: Write the Father’s words over you in Christ: “Beloved… I am pleased.”
Action: Encourage one person with the Father’s heart today.
Memory Verse
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” — Mark 1:11
Optional Extras
Worship Set Ideas: “Be Enthroned,” “Build My Life,” “King of Kings.”
Icebreaker Variant: Bring an “overlooked” object from home; share how God uses the overlooked.
