In this deck, we'll explore the beginning of Jesus's ministry as told in St Mark's Gospel. This is a key topic for your GCSE Religious Studies exam. We will cover six crucial events, from John the Baptist preparing the way, to Jesus feeding the five thousand. For each story, we'll look at what happened and, most importantly, what it reveals about Jesus's identity and authority, giving you the knowledge you need to build strong exam answers.

St Mark's Gospel begins not with Jesus, but with John the Baptist. John was a prophet in the wilderness, preparing people for Jesus's arrival. His message was simple: repent, and be baptised for the forgiveness of your sins. He told the crowds that someone more powerful was coming after him, someone who would baptise not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. For your exam, John's role is significant because he acts as a bridge from the old prophets to Jesus, confirming that Jesus's arrival is part of God's plan.

The next key event is Jesus's baptism by John in the River Jordan. As Jesus came out of the water, Mark tells us the heavens tore open, the Spirit descended on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.' This is a vital moment for your exam as it's God himself confirming Jesus's identity. Immediately after, the Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. This shows Jesus overcoming evil, preparing him for the challenges of his ministry.