First Sunday after Epiphany – Mark 1:4-11

Grace, peace and mercy to you from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In those days, that is the days in which John the Baptist was calling people to repentance, away from the trappings of this world and back into a right relationship with God. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11)

Jesus’ baptism is so critical for Mark as he wrote his gospel account, it marks the beginning, the foundation of all that is to follow. Baptism is not the place where salvation was won for humanity – but it is the means by which God’s salvation is delivered to all who are baptised and believe. 

Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here.