prepare the way for Jesus

Mark 1:1-20 – Jesus Steps Into Ministry

Mark is one of the gospels telling of the life of Jesus. Mark, known as John Mark, was not one of the twelve disciples traveling with Jesus, but he is believed to have been friends with Peter. This manuscript would be the eyewitness account from Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers.

Mark doesn’t start with Jesus’ birth but with God’s announcement of Jesus’ arrival by John the Baptist. We learn a lot about who Jesus is from John’s introduction. It can be helpful to have your own testimony of Jesus’ impact on your life ready to use when you introduce Jesus to others who haven’t met him yet. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-20 – Jesus Steps Into Ministry”

Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way

Read Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist was an interesting fellow who took his job very seriously. Not many of us can claim that the prophet Isaiah spoke about us. John’s purpose in life was planned by God for many years. He was to prepare the way for Jesus first coming. What an honor!

Do you ever wonder who God is planning to use to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming? You might want to look in the mirror. While we’ll find out one day if God has in mind just one individual to stand out like John did with his less than “normal” ways. For now, we can be sure God is counting on us to welcome people into his family by introduction and our loving example. Continue reading “Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way”

John 1:2-8 – Preparing the Way

Read Mark 1:2-8

Don’t you love it when you see Scripture texts pointing to each other? Of course, there are many Old Testament prophecies that reveal pieces of Jesus’ character. But today’s reading reminds us that the prophet Isaiah spoke of John the Baptist. God already knew that the world would need special preparation to receive his Son, Jesus.

John sounds like an interesting fellow. We know from other gospels that he was born to older parents who had not been able to have children, until God’s perfect timing allowed his mother Elizabeth to get pregnant. Trusting God’s timing always has marvelous results.