Definition: And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 1:5. It’s a really significant passage about Jesus’ arrival and his impact on people. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic event where Jesus began to baptize people in the Jordan River. It signifies a turning point – he's inviting everyone in the region (Judaea and Jerusalem) to come to him and confess their sins. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea…” – This means everyone in the area around Judea, including the people of Jerusalem, started to come to Jesus. Think of it as a huge outpouring of people seeking him. “…and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan.” - This is the core of the verse. "Baptized" means to be immersed or cleansed by water. The “they of Jerusalem” refers specifically to Jewish people living in Jerusalem. And it's all being baptized by Jesus! The “river of Jordan” is a very important symbol – it’s the Jordan River, which was considered holy and significant for Jews. So, he’s washing away their sins. “confess their sins.” - This means they are admitting to wrongdoing, to being guilty of mistakes or offenses. It's about taking responsibility for their actions. What does this tell us about Jesus? This is often seen as a sign that Jesus is: The Messiah: He’s inviting people to come to him and acknowledge their need for forgiveness and a new life with God. A Savior: He's offering a way to be free from sin and have a relationship with the divine. Coming to Judgment: It suggests that Jesus is about to reveal who is truly righteous and who isn’t, and he’s inviting everyone to come to him for judgment. Important Context (Briefly): This verse happens shortly after Jesus begins his ministry – teaching people, performing miracles, and generally making a big impact. It's a moment of significant transition and invitation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about this event? Discuss what this verse might symbolize for Christians?