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,

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]