Mark’s Gospel, though anonymous, has been historically attributed to John Mark, a close associate of both Paul and Peter. Early church tradition, including the writings of Papias, affirms that Mark served as Peter’s interpreter, carefully recording his eyewitness accounts of Jesus. Unlike the more detailed and structured narratives of Matthew and Luke, Mark’s Gospel moves quickly and urgently, emphasizing action and immediacy. Written between the late 50s and late 60s AD, likely in the aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome, Mark’s account was a source of encouragement for persecuted Christians, offering a vivid portrayal of Jesus as the victorious Son of God who triumphs through suffering.

Mark opens his Gospel not with genealogies or birth narratives, but with a bold theological declaration: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the fulfillment of God’s promises. He connects this moment to Old Testament prophecies, particularly Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, which foretold the arrival of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord. That messenger is John the Baptist, a figure reminiscent of Elijah, who appears in the wilderness calling people to repentance. His baptism signified a need for cleansing and a readiness for the One who would bring true salvation. Yet, John himself acknowledged his own limitations—his baptism could symbolize repentance, but it could not wash away sin. Only Jesus, who would later submit to baptism not because He needed cleansing, but to identify with sinners, could accomplish that work.

John’s mission was to prepare the way, pointing people to Jesus both visually, through his appearance, and vocally, through his message. Clothed like Elijah, he stood as a prophetic figure calling for repentance, but he also humbly declared that he was unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals. His baptism was merely preparatory, while Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing true transformation. And here, even at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, we see a foreshadowing of the cross. Just as Jesus descended into the Jordan, symbolically taking on the sins of the people, He would later go to the cross, bearing their sins in full. Cleansing would not come from the waters of the Jordan but from the blood of the Son of God. And just as Jesus went down into the river, He would go into the tomb—only to rise again, bringing new life to all who trust in Him.

Sermon Outline

1. The Prophecies about John’s Mission (vv1-3)
2. The Proclamation of John’s Message (vv4-5)
3. The Purpose of John’s Ministry (vv6-8)

Main Point – If you are in Christ, you have a better baptism than John’s baptism.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Mark begins his Gospel with the prophecies and mission of John the Baptist? Read Acts 10:34-48. How did Peter introduce the good news when preaching to the Gentiles?
2. What are the similarities and differences between John’s baptism and believer’s baptism? Use relevant Scripture to support your answer.
3. Why is the message of John’s preaching still relevant today? Read Psalm 51. How does this passage serve as a model for confession and repentance?
4. In Matthew 3:8, John told the Pharisees to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” What did he mean by this? What does it look like to bear fruit that aligns with genuine repentance?
5. John’s baptism was limited, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Why is this such good news for sinners?