Preparing the way

Introduction

The gospel is believed to be written to a Roman audience or focus on the Roman audience. It is considered an “action packed” account of Jesus’ life. You have two distinct parts of the book: 1) Jesus’ Galilean ministry, with apex being Peter’s profession He is the Son of God and 2) Jesus journey to Jerusalem which culminates in His death and resurrection. A pattern of “three’s” runs through the Gospel. Mark wrote for three reasons: 1) provide the church an authoritative written account of the gospel, 2) to confirm Jesus’ identity as the suffering Messiah and Son of God, and 3) encourage believers to cross-bearing discipleship, while persevering through suffering as Jesus did.

Here we will start with Mark 1:1-8 which records the account of John the Baptist fulfilling the scriptures as a messenger to goes out to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah and Son of God, Jesus.

Mark 1:1-8

Mark 1:1–8 NIV

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

v. 1: simply marks the beginning of the good news/gospel (euangeliou) about Jesus. Good news was usually proclaimed in the Greco-Roman world in the event of a emperors enthronement or birth of emperor

Title Messiah: Messiah or Christ in both Hebrew and Greek means “anointed one.” The Jews understood the anointed ones to be kings whom God appointed. In essence, Jesus is identified as God’s anointed human king, which was prophecied and expected by the Jews.

Son of God: *description not found in some manuscripts. In OT, title used to represent kings (Ps 2:7; 89:27), heavenly beings (Gen 6:2; Job 1:6), or Israel (Ex 4:22-23; Hos 11:1). In Second Temple Judaism used to identify messianic figure. Greco-Roman culture name give to sons of emperors who were deified after their death (Julius Caesar’s son Octavian considered a son of god). In the NT, used to identify God’s endorsement, commission, empowerment of Jesus as the chosen king.

verses 2-3: quotes from both Is 40:3 and Mal 3:1 used here; however, only Isaiah is identified. Probably due to him being the more prominently recognized and known prophet. Also, Mark drew majority of scripture references from Isaiah. It was common for biblical authors to combine scripture passages as well.

A messenger will prepare your way echoes Ex 23:20 and the wilderness recalls the journey of the Hebrew people as God was leading them into the promised land.

The way represent road or path but Mark uses it to describe ones journey. Remember, “the Way” was used to describe Christianity.

The cry of a herald who runs in advance of a king announcing his imminent arrival—the king in Isa 40:3, being quoted here, is God Himself. In Mark’s Gospel, the herald is John the Baptist, who announces Jesus’ arrival and the kingdom of God (Mark 1:4–8).

verses 4-8: Name of the messenger is John the Baptist and he is preaching baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The Jews had laws regarding ritual cleanliness or purification, so baptism was not uncommon. It common for Israelites to do it multiple times as well. Here John is preaching a purification of repentance (changing mind, attitude, actions) for the forgiveness (pardon, release, or liberate from guilt) of sins.

The way one would be pardon of guilt would be to confess their sins.

The Jordan River holds significance because it was the place which the Hebrews crossed to enter into the promised land. So one being baptized in the Jordan would represent transition from old way into the new and into the promises of God. It carried a symbol of national renewal and fulfillment of God’s work among them.

The clothing he wore identifies with another great prophet, Elijah, who also wore clothing made out of hair and a leather belt (2 Kgs 1:8). The food he ate was common food in that time.

John says, he is not worthy to tie the sandals of the one who comes after him. To remover or carry the sandals was the work of slaves; therefore, John claim he is not worthy to be His slave.

Finally, John’s baptism is one with water but the Messiah, the Son of God will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

Like John the Baptist, we to prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus. How do we prepare the way?

We make herald the good news that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

We do so as ambassadors who’s voices call out in the wilderness.

We prepare the way by making the paths straight through teaching sound doctrine about Jesus and living lives that are holy unto Him

We must preach with balanced warning and persuasion. That type of preaching leads to repentance, confession, and forgiveness.

Live lives as humble servants

6. Our message must Christ-centered

7. Baptize in His name