Talking Points:
- In Mark 1:2-8, we meet John the Baptist, the older cousin of Jesus. This guy wasn’t just a strange character, he was one of the most important men in history.
- God had been paving the way for Jesus for centuries, and this kind of work tends to disrupt the soil. The metaphor for this is “wilderness” – the barren place where God loves to work. Mark 1:2-3
- John the Baptist was a unique messenger who boldly spoke God’s message. He didn’t fit into polite circles because he wasn’t about himself or his own reputation. Mark 1:6-8
- John prepared the way by calling people to “repentance” – turning from a self-directed life to a God-directed life. He challenged people to follow truth rather than tradition. Mark 1:4-5
Discussion:
- How did the Israelites disobey God in the wilderness? What was (or is) your wilderness with God?
- Read Malachi 3:1. What was John the Baptist’s role? Would you listen to a guy dressed like him? (See Isaiah 40:3-11.)
- Read Mark 1:4-5. How would you explain repentance to someone?
- What’s the difference between John’s baptism and later New Testament baptism?
- What is God doing in your life to prepare you to encounter Jesus?
See Also: