1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " Mark 1:2-3 (NIV)

The phrase Mark chose to start verse two, "it is written" carries an authoritative quality recognized by Greeks, Romans and Jews. In the first century Greek world, this formula frequently opens the introductions to a law or legal declaration. In the Old Testament it would be recognized as claiming authority over the reader.

6) What is Mark saying by using the phrase "It is written" to refer to Isaiah's prophecy?

Isaiah was a person who spoke with authority.
Isaiah's authority came directly from God.

The quote Mark attributes to Isaiah in verses two and three is actually a combination of prophecies from different Biblical sources.

The quote in verse two, "I will send my messenger ahead of you", is reminiscent of the first part of Malachi chapter three verse one.

"Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. (ESV)

7) What is God saying to Malachi who was looking forward to the coming of the Christ, and Mark who was looking backward to His incarnation by using the word Behold?

Pay attention what I am about to say is important .
The message I am about to deliver is coming from God

8) In both Mark and Malachi John the Baptist is called "my messenger", What is the ultimate message John is to pass along?

The time of the promised Messiah has finally come into being.
The Kingdom of God has come with the arrival of the Messiah.

In verse three Mark uses a more exact representation of Isaiah chapter forty verse three.

A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare the way for the LORD ;
make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. (NIV)

It was a common practice for Jewish teachers to combine texts or parts of texts, if they contained common keywords. Teachers were thought to be so learned in the scriptures that they were not required to specify which text or even the context with which it was intended.

In verse three Mark states, "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " (NIV)

Mark says the prophet was a voice of one calling in the desert.

9) What was the purpose of the "one calling in the desert" to be?

To prepare God's people for His coming.

10) Based on what we know a Gospel to be, what was the Lord coming to do?

Restore the relationship between God and His people.

11) Reflecting back on verse one, who does Mark say the coming Messiah was?

Jesus Christ - God Himself.

12) Who then was coming to do what, and for whom?

Jesus Christ was coming back to provide a path to salvation for God's people.

In verse two, "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" (NIV)

Mark would have known that Malachi in chapter three was about God coming in judgment to set things right among His people.

13) What would this have meant Mark was trying to convey to his Gentile believers?

Jesus Christ is God.
Jesus' coming meant the beginning of the Gospel age.
The time for a repentance and a return to God.

In Luke chapter sixteen verses sixteen and seventeen, Jesus speaks of John's role

"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. (NIV)
14) What did Jesus say was inaugurated or begun with John's message?

The Kingdom of God has arrived on Earth.

15) How does it affect your thinking knowing the Kingdom of God includes the time since John?

Over the next week lets meditate on what the inauguration of the Kingdom of God means to each of us collectively and individually.

Learn more about this author, Clyde Annach.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Bible Study: The Gospel according to Mark 1:1-3 ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!