John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Stronger One — one of whom he was not even worthy of being a slave. John’s repentance-baptism paved the way and prepared people for the greater baptism of Jesus Christ — who would metaphorically immerse believers with the Holy Spirit, whom Christ would send (cf. Jn 15:26, 16:7, 12-15 cf. Jn 14:26).
John the Baptist has a popular ministry of repentance-baptism in the wilderness at the Jordan River, a location with a rich Old Testament history. The people of Jerusalem were coming out in droves, confessing their sin.
Moreover, John is dressed like a prophet — likely the prophet Elijah, who was prophesied to come before the coming of the LORD Himself (as John comes before the Lord Jesus).
John the Baptizer appears in the wilderness as the prophesied messenger of the LORD who would prepare His way (cf. Mk 1:2-3) — a way for a new exodus, a new divine encounter, a new deliverance via the LORD the King.
This preparation for the way of the Lord Jesus entails the proclamation of a preparatory baptism for those who had turned away from sin and turned to God (i.e., repentance) for the purpose of the forgiveness of sins (by God). This forgiveness will ultimately be made possible through the work of Christ on the cross.
Though Mark does not quote the Old Testament as much as the other gospel writers, he begins with a combination (testimonium) of three Old Testament quotations which foretell of a messenger sent by the LORD — who will prepare the way of the LORD. This person will be calling out in the wilderness in order to roll out the red carpet for God Himself — who will save and reign over His people as King.
As one reads Mark, one comes across many people who struggle with the identity of Jesus — the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. Yet, from the first line, readers know exactly who Jesus is…
Get an overview of the Gospel of Mark in two animated videos that summarize the narrative, themes, structure, and more. Understanding how Mark has arranged the narrative can help us probe the richness of the divinely-inspired words…
![David's Lovingkindness | 2 Samuel 9 Lesson [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2-Samuel-9-Commentary-Study-326x245.png)
What do lions do when they take over a pride? They often kill the cubs of the former lion king. Similarly, in the ancient Near East, new kings would often kill off any potential rivals from the former king’s family. Going against cultural norms, however, King David demonstrates his lovingkindness by having King Saul’s grandson eat at his table like a son…
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Psalm 1 tells us that the righteous will prosper and the wicked will be destroyed. But what should we do when it seems like the wicked prosper — often at the expense of the righteous? Psalm 37 is wisdom psalm, full of proverbs from A-Z, that tells us how to live faithfully while the faithless seem to flourish
![David's Road to Royalty | 2 Samuel 5:1-5 Lesson [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-Samuel-5-1-5-Commentary-Lesson-326x245.png)
When people do us wrong and/or prevent us from what God wants us to do, isn’t it tempting to take matters into our own hands? David’s road to the throne exemplifies putting the matter into God’s hands, rather than one’s own hands.
![David Spares Saul (Again) 1 Samuel 26 Lesson [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1-Samuel-26-Commentary-Lesson-326x245.png)
Many think 1 Samuel 24 and 26 are different traditions of the same event, but there are important differences. David here comes across Saul not by chance, but by choice. In both accounts he acts wisely — by not taking matters into his own hands.
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