Mark 1:9-11, The Baptism of Jesus

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [Jesus traveled south from his home in Galilee to join John’s popular baptism movement. The one who knew no sin joined a line of sinners to be baptized by John. Jesus identified with humanity. His baptism begins his preparation for going to the cross to deal with once and for all the problem of human sin.] 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending [all three members of the Trinity are involved in this baptism] on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son [God himself reveals the identity of Jesus]; with you I am well pleased.” [God was well pleased with creation. Now he sends his son to clean up and restore his fallen creation and he is pleased again.]