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)
1 This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[a] 2 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.
3 In the desert
someone is shouting,
‘Get the road ready
for the Lord!
Make a straight path
for him.’”
4 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.”
5 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.
6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.
7 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] 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society