John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ arrival. We must make room for Jesus in our own lives to join Him in His Kingdom work.
Mark 1:1-8
1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Sermon Notes
Be Ready (Mark 1:1-3)
- The good news is that Jesus is the Messiah we’ve been waiting for and the God we’ve been longing for (Mark 1:1).
- When God makes a promise, you never have to question if He will keep it (Mark 1:2).
- Remove any obstacle in the way of you following Jesus (Mark 1:2-3).
Be Willing (Mark 1:4-6)
- Being bold in ministry requires a confidence in God and not oneself (Mark 1:4).
- The people prepared for Jesus through repentance, confession, and baptism (Mark 1:4-5).
- You don’t have to look like the world in order for the world to look to you (Mark 1:6).
Be Humble (Mark 1:7-8)
- Never get so caught up focusing on your kingdom that you neglect to prioritize God’s Kingdom (Mark 1:7).
- A clear view of Jesus will never allow you to be prideful (Mark 1:7).
- John cleared the path for Jesus; Jesus cleared the path for the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).
- God Outside Us – Father
- God Beside Us – Son
- God Inside Us – Spirit
There’s no better time to get right with God than right now.
- Specifically, how do you need to make room for Jesus?
Next Week’s Sermon: Make Your Father Proud [Mark 1:9-13]