What does Mark 1:9-11 mean?

⁹ And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. ¹⁰ And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: ¹¹ And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mark 1:9-11 KJV)

The Baptism of Jesus

We have here a brief account of Christ’s baptism. His baptism was his first public appearance after living quietly in Nazareth. How much hidden worth remains unnoticed in this world, either buried under contempt or concealed by humility! But eventually, it will be revealed, just as Christ’s was.

See how humbly Christ submitted to God by coming to be baptized by John; this was fitting to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). Though perfectly pure, he was baptized as if he were a sinner. In doing so, he set himself apart for our sake so we too might be sanctified (John 17:19). And God honored him in his submission to John’s baptism. Those who justify God, like those who accepted John’s baptism, he will glorify (Luke 7:29-30).

Jesus saw the heavens open (Mark 1:10). This revealed him to be the Lord from heaven and gave him a glimpse of the joy and glory ahead. Then the Holy Spirit descended like a dove upon Jesus. This is a clear display of the Trinity: the Father speaking from heaven, the Son rising from the water, and the Holy Spirit descending in visible form. The Holy Spirit descended, first, to designate Christ as the one chosen for the work of mediation; and second, to set him apart and empower him for that task. This was Christ’s anointing, the day he was set above all others as King, Priest, and Prophet of his Church (Isaiah 61:1).

Then he heard a voice meant to strengthen him in his mission: “You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). God affirmed that he still loved him despite the low and humble state he had taken on and that he loved him even more for the loving and noble work he had begun. God is pleased in him as the one who settles the dispute between God and man, and is pleased with us in him.

We learn that the voice of God the Father declared Christ’s relationship to him—“This is my Son,” then declared the depth of his love for him—“This is my beloved Son,” and then declared the blessing that comes to us through him—“In whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). From this we learn that no one can please God apart from Christ; neither our actions nor our identity can be accepted unless it is through him and for his sake. Jesus Christ is the reason and foundation of all the love God the Father shows to humanity. In Christ, God is pleased with us as a reconciled Father; outside of him, he is a consuming fire.

Mark Chapter 1

1. John the Baptist Prepares the Way, Mark 1:1-8
2. The Baptism of Jesus, Mark 1:9-11
3. The Temptation of Jesus, Mark 1:12-13
4. Jesus Begins His Ministry, Mark 1:14-15
5. Jesus Calls the First Disciples, Mark 1:16-20
6. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit, Mark 1:21-28
7. Jesus Heals Many, Mark 1:29-34
8. Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place, Mark 1:35-39
9. Jesus Cleanses a Leper, Mark 1:40-45