Mark 1:1-45 AMP

[1] The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [2] As it is written and forever remains in the [writings of the] prophet Isaiah: “BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY— [3] A VOICE OF ONE SHOUTING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’” [4] John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. [5] And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. [6] John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. [7] And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave]. [8] As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit.” [9] In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus); [11] and a voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” [12] Immediately the [Holy] Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness. [13] He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted [to do evil] by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered continually to Him. [14] Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God, [15] and saying, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].” [16] As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. [17] And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” [18] Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. [19] Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending and cleaning the nets. [20] Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. [21] They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. [22] They were completely amazed at His teaching; because He was teaching them as one having [God-given] authority, and not as the scribes. [23] Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat], [24] saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” [25] Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!” [26] The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him. [27] They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.” [28] Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee. [29] And immediately they left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John. [30] Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her. [31] Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them [as her guests]. [32] Now when evening came, after the sun had set [and the Sabbath Day had ended, in a steady stream] they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were under the power of demons, [33] until the whole city had gathered together at the door. [34] And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him [recognizing Him as the Son of God]. [35] Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there. [36] Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, [37] and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” [38] He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” [39] So He went throughout Galilee, preaching [the gospel] in their synagogues and casting out demons. [40] And a leper came to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You are able to make me clean.” [41] Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” [42] The leprosy left him immediately and he was cleansed [completely healed and restored to health]. [43] And Jesus [deeply moved] admonished him sternly and sent him away immediately, [44] saying to him, “See that you tell no one anything [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as proof to them [that you are really healed].” [45] But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news [of his healing], to such an extent that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city [where He was known], but stayed out in the unpopulated places; yet people were still coming to Him from everywhere.