Devotional: Mark 1:1-11, Preparing the Way

1/1/2023

Read Along:
Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets:
“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.” (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)

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Prayerfully journal your thoughts on these questions:
Why was it necessary for John to prepare the way of the Lord?

Why does there need to be a baptism of the Holy Spirit in addition to water baptism?

Apply the message:
How can I apply the message that I've learned from this reading to my life?

What practical thing can I do in the next 24 hours, in order to apply the message that I've learned?

Share your thoughts in the comment section and make sure to pray with someone today

6 Comments

Jose Zacariaz Sr

1/1/2023 09:36:20 am

Why was it necessary for John to prepare the way of the Lord?
John the Baptist preached baptism of repentance. He was preparing for the first advent of Jesus Christ, the Son God. John preached that the people had to acknowledge their condition in sin and repent from it and be ready for His arrival, and receive the gospel of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why does there need to be a baptism of the Holy Spirit in addition to water baptism?
Baptism of water is an outward appearance of receiving Jesus into our life. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an inward experience that is essential to the Christian life. The Holy Spirit is needed to guide our hearts and mind to a life of holiness along with Jesus Christ.

How can I apply the message that I've learned from this reading to my life?
Be humble, talk to others about Jesus, of what He has done for us and why. Share His love to others. Doing all this will also prepare the way for Jesus second return.

What practical thing I can do in the next 24 hours in order to apply the message I've learned?

First, promptly admit that when I fall short or miss the mark, confess my sins to God for pardon. Seek to be filled by the Holy Spirit and talk tol someone about Jesus.

Wayne Jamel

1/1/2023 12:03:42 pm

Awesome thoughts Jose. I particularly liked your practical application. I like practical applications because even if you forget the message, if you apply it right away, it then becomes a part of your life.

Selva

1/1/2023 10:14:20 am

There needs to be a baptism of water in addition to a baptism of the Holy Spirit because, the water is the symbolic action of accepting and submitting to Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit does the actual work of transformation within the baptized.

1/1/2023 12:04:51 pm

Absolutely. Both are essential to the Christian experience. Thanks for joining us on this journey this week.

Debbie link

1/1/2023 08:04:58 pm

Just adding to the comments and reflections above. Am reflecting on the passage of scripture — I am moved by the conviction that John had and how he dutifully and with great Humility carried out his work to “ prepare the way of the Lord” up the point of being murdered for his strong conviction and duty. Response— Briefly googled on how I (and believers) can share in “preparing the way” for others to learn about the love of Jesus: 1. Be Empathetic to others, listen to them and spend time with them, basically build relationships w/ others ( part of setting their hearts free); Rejoice in the good, encourage and build people up; Pray for and with them; Testify to the light and goodness of Jesus’ via sharing my own personal testimony with them. The Holy Spirit is necessary to accomplish this work of “preparing the way” of the Lord.

1/1/2023 09:25:14 pm

I really like that you took time to google how to prepare the way of the Lord. Let me know trying that out goes this week.

Devotional: Mark 1:1-11, Preparing the Way

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