Prepare the way of the Lord

Mark 1:1-11

Key Verse 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD, make his paths straight,’”

1. Look at verse 1. What does the word “gospel” mean? What do the two titles of Jesus, ‘Christ, The Son of God’ here tell us about him?

2. Look at verses 2-3. What was John the Baptist's role according to Isaiah’s prophecy? What does it mean to prepare the way of the LORD and to make his paths straight?

3. Look at verses 4-5. What did John do to fulfill his mission? (4) What is “a baptism of repentance?” In what respect did his baptism of repentance prepare the way for the Lord? How did the people respond to his message?(5)

4. Look at verses 6-8. Describe John’s lifestyle. Why do you think John lived his life in that manner? What did John preach about Jesus? How is Jesus’ baptism different from John's baptism and what does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?

5. Look at verses 9-11. What happened to Jesus after he was baptized by John and came up out of the water? How were the Spirit and God the Father involved in this event? What is the significance of this?

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