We are not strangers to getting things ready. Even a simple thing like building a campfire requires gathering the items before the match is struck. I’m sure you can come up with many such examples. Likewise, the appearance and preaching of John the Baptist prepared for the arrival of Jesus.
Mark wrote, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way; The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’ ” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”” (Mark 1:1–8, NASB95)
A few things to note in this section. Mark begins with a quote from Isaiah concerning the expected messenger. In typical Mark fashion, he dives into the action instead of providing John’s backstory. John appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance. Mark reports that “all the country” was coming. This is another style element of Mark’s gospel. All, in this case, doesn’t mean “all” as in everyone with exception. This is a figurative all and not a literal all. It is important to note at this point because Mark is going to use that same figurative “all” several more times.
While John’s popularity and influence grew, he knew his role. It is easy for someone to pump up their self-worth when the crowds adore them. We see it all the time in popular culture and social media influencers. John stayed humbly on message. “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals”, he preached.
John preached and practiced a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Similar to the purification baths of the Jewish religious practices of that day. But John baptized in the river, out in the open, where all could see. And John knew that his baptism only went so far. In a way, John’s baptism cleaned the visible, but the baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus poured out goes deeper and continues its work in us from the inside out.
In our day, the words “baptism with the Holy Spirit” can be controversial. Mark doesn’t explain them. We often get hung up on the externals of spiritual gifts envisioned when the baptism with the Holy Spirit is mentioned. We tend to either become uncomfortable with them or puffed up by them. While those external gifts are part of the Holy Spirit’s toolbox, the other works of the Spirit are a more significant part of His baptism. The Spirit convicts us of sin, comforts us when stressed, guides our steps, brings an understanding of God’s Word, empowers our witness, intercedes for us, and guides our prayers. The baptism of the Spirit is far more than Holy Spirit goosebumps; it molds us into Christlikeness and empowers our walk with Christ. Remember, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NASB95)
- Mark: Healing, Prayer, and Preaching - April 16, 2025
- Mark: With Authority - April 14, 2025
- Mark: Say Yes - April 9, 2025
