Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of Jesus' ministry -- John the baptizer
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" -- "a voice of one calling in the desert, `Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
The quote in verse 2 is from the Old Testament prophet, Malachi (Mal. 3:1) and the quote in verse 3 is from the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3.) What do these quotes say about the expected recipients of this letter by Mark?
Judea was the center of the ancient homeland of the Jews, the descendants of Israel. In this time, the region was under the control of the Roman empire, with considerable autonomy left to the local peoples. The phrase, "make straight paths for him", implies a need to get ready for significant change is coming!
Judea was the center of the ancient homeland of the Jews, the descendants of Israel. In this time, the region was under the control of the Roman empire, with considerable autonomy left to the local peoples. The phrase, "make straight paths for him", implies a need to get ready for significant change is coming!
How is John the Baptist described? What type of individual is he? And why does the story seem to begin with him? (Even to the ancient reader, John is a strange character. The reader is expected to be a little shocked by him!)
Mark skips any significant prologue. The others gospels tell us a little about Jesus's life before his ministry began. Mark is simpler, more direct. All that matters here is the short three years of Jesus's ministry!
Mark skips any significant prologue. The others gospels tell us a little about Jesus's life before his ministry began. Mark is simpler, more direct. All that matters here is the short three years of Jesus's ministry!
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