The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭8‬
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

As we begin the Gospel of Mark, I think a bit of background info on the Author, Setting, and Audience is helpful.

John Mark is the most likely author. He was a close companion of Peter, and of Barnabas and Paul. He deserted Barnabas and Paul, and he is the subject of one of the most fierce disagreements in the Bible. Barnabus wanted to take the deserter, John Mark, on the next journey, but Paul refused. So they separated ways. Later, as referenced by Paul in Colossians, John Mark and Paul were able to reconcile. John Mark was a scribe, recording and preparing the message of the gospel of Jesus (in all likelihood as preached by Peter).

It is likely that John Mark was writing this gospel mainly off of the preachings of Peter. The Cross and its represented need and purpose for the human race is a theme. Other themes include Jesus' Teachings and The Timing of God in Revealing Jesus’ Purpose on Earth (a sacrificial lamb).

It is a fast-paced book, highlighting many of the stories and situations the disciples found themselves in while following Jesus. Healings, miracles, stories of faith, power grabs, prophesies, and more are found in this gospel. And in the last half, it records the story of Jesus, through his crucifixion, to his resurrection, and into his last days.

The gospel was initially written in Rome, but was clearly meant to be distributed throughout the church. Its writing style is succinct, direct, and jumps to important stories and situations.

As I read these initial verses, I am impressed by how the book starts. All great lords and people of the earth at this time had front-runners to “prepare the way” for them. I think back to the book of Esther, and how Haman had to announce the coming of Mordecai, a man who pleased the king. And Jesus had the most influential and consequential fore-runner of all, John the Baptist (spoken of as the second coming of Elijah).

Before Jesus died for our sins, his Spirit rested on a few select leaders to communicate his heart, his plans and purpose, and his will. John the Baptist was full of the Holy Spirit! He was a witness to one coming after him. His job was to prepare the way for Jesus.

After Jesus left, and then when the Holy Spirit came in flaming power on the disciples, the disciples of Jesus now had a new role similar to John the Baptist’s role. They were Holy Spirit-filled witnesses to the people of the world, preparing the way for Jesus Christ to enter the hearts of those who would believe.

Do I see myself as a witness, a preparer of the way for Jesus Christ? As I live up to this calling and primary focus, what do I need to rid myself of? What needs to take a backseat on the importance scale in my life?

Lord, thank you for calling me to be your witness to a dark and needy world. May my life, my speech, my priorities, and my resources be dedicated more and more to accomplishing this mission.