January 21

Read Mark 1:2-8

OBSERVATION: WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY? 

as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”[a]—
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”[b]

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[c] water, but he will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit.”

[a] Malachi 3:1

[b] Isaiah 40:3

[c] Or in

INTERPRETATION: WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?

APPLICATION: HOW SHOULD THIS AFFECT ME?