Mark 1:1-8: John the Baptist Prepares the Way

John the Baptist

1 The beginning of the gospel [referencing Genesis 1:1] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [Straight away, Mark reveals the true identity of Jesus.]

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face [Exodus 23:20], who will prepare your way [Malachi 3:1],

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, [Isaiah 40:3]’” [While Mark attributes these prophecies to Isaiah, he actually quotes Exodus and Malachi as well!]

4 John [already tied to the pre-planned history of God’s people as the messenger who prepares the way] appeared, baptizing in the wilderness [the traditional meeting place of God with his people] and proclaiming a baptism of repentance [original/prepares for new covenant (Jeremiah 31:34)] for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist [identifies him with OT prophets of similar dress] and ate locusts and wild honey [the food of the wilderness]. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. [No disciple would have to undo the strap of a sandal. Only a Gentile slave would be required to do that. John understands his place in relationship to Jesus as lower than a Gentile slave. When we get a “right” view of ourselves, we will have a “right” view of who Jesus really is.] 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [New Covenant prophesies found in Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:26-27 and 37:14].”

[Mark shows the organic process of revelation from the Old Testament, which is the gospel’s beginning and source, to the gospel revealed through Jesus, who is the final and inspired interpretation of the Old Testament message.]