This week we focus on John the Baptist and how he was called to prepare the way for Jesus.  I invite you to read Mark 1:1-8  as you prepare to receive this life-giving message from God this week.  There will be questions posted throughout the week to help to prepare you for this week’s message.

Mark 1:1-8 – Contemporary English Version (CEV)

This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[a] It began just as God had said in the book written by Isaiah the prophet,

“I am sending my messenger
to get the way ready
    for you.
In the desert
    someone is shouting,
‘Get the road ready
    for the Lord!
Make a straight path
    for him.’”

So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

From all Judea and Jerusalem crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made of camel’s hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

John also told the people, “Someone more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals.[b] I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society