1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”
4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Mark bypasses the miraculous story of the birth of Jesus and the miraculous birth of John whose parents were beyond the years of physically being able to have a child. Mark begins with the words of the prophet Isaiah that foretell the proclamation of the coming ministry of Jesus Christ the Son of God. John’s focus was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus as the Messiah for whom they had been waiting. At the baptism of Jesus, the voice of God was heard proclaiming him to be the very Son of God. His identity was never to be questioned by the people, and it would be confirmed through the works he performed. Mark’s gospel proceeds with the miraculous works of Jesus empowered the Holy Spirit to destroy the works of the devil and render him powerless. The devasting effects of sin that included sickness, disease, and demonic possession were overcome by the anointed words of Jesus and his compassionate touch. Jesus was announcing a new Kingdom of God was now present among the people and invited them to be a part of it. The same invitation is extended to all of mankind today and those whose hearts are prepared to admit the sin that has devasted their lives and the need for salvation is their utmost desire can by faith receive Jesus as their Savior.
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