Gospel of Mark Bible Part 2: Preparing the Way [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
Bible Study: John the Baptist — Preparing the Way
Mark 1:1–8
Opening Prayer
Father, thank You for the example of John the Baptist, who boldly proclaimed repentance and pointed people to Christ. Give us humble hearts to receive Your Word and courage to share it with others. Amen.
READ
Mark 1:1–8(Read aloud from your Bible.)
OBSERVE
Who was John the Baptist?
Foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5–6).
Came in the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Lived simply—camel hair clothing, leather belt, locusts and wild honey (Mark 1:6).
Ministry: calling people to repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins.
John’s Message
Repentance means a true change of mind, prompted by godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10–11).
His baptism symbolized cleansing and preparation for the Messiah.
Pointed to One greater than himself—Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).
John’s Impact
People from all Judea and Jerusalem came to hear him (Mark 1:5).
His preaching made hearts ready to receive Christ (Mark 1:15).
INTERPRET
Key Lesson 1 — True repentance is more than guilt.
Godly sorrow produces lasting change; worldly sorrow leads back to sin and spiritual death.
Repentance without regret leads to salvation and a zeal to do what is right.
Key Lesson 2 — Humility prepares us for Christ.
John declared he was not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.
We cannot truly serve Christ without a humble view of ourselves.
Key Lesson 3 — The messenger is not the message.
John’s clothing, diet, and wilderness location were not about style—they emphasized the urgency of his message.
God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
APPLY
Reflection Questions:
How do you know if your repentance has been real and godly?
Do you find yourself valuing appearance and convenience over truth?
In what ways can you “prepare the way” for Christ in the lives of others this week?
Practical Steps:
Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any unrepented sin.
Make one intentional act of humility this week—serving without recognition.
Share one gospel conversation, pointing someone to Christ, not yourself.
CROSS REFERENCES FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 3:1–12 — John’s preaching of repentance.
Acts 2:38 — Repentance and baptism for forgiveness.
Luke 3:7–14 — Bearing fruits in keeping with repentance.
Titus 3:4–6 — The Spirit’s work in salvation.
CONCLUSION
John the Baptist’s mission was to prepare people for Jesus by calling them to repentance and baptism. His example reminds us that genuine repentance produces lasting fruit, humility draws people toward God, and our mission is to point to Christ—not ourselves.
Closing Prayer
Lord, make my heart soft to Your correction and quick to repent. Help me live humbly and boldly, preparing the way for others to know Jesus. Amen.
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