Questions over Mark 1:1-9

Questions over Mark 1:1-9

1. What was John preaching when he appeared in the wilderness? 
• “...a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
2. a and b
• a. What was different about what he was preaching from the way people were supposed to get forgiveness for their sins? 
• Confession of sin and repentance were required under the law — nothing new. 
• New: That baptism (or Mikveh) was for salvation and that it was as necessary for Jews as for Gentiles. 
• (What was also new was that he announced that someone far greater than himself was coming after him.)  
• b. What did they do when they came to him? 
• They confessed their sins, repented, and were immersed. 
• This baptism which John proclaimed and administered was connected with repentance and resulted in remission of sins.
• "The force of the phrase εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν which modifies βάπτισμα μετανοίας is to make remission of sins the result of the baptism of repentance. Every such baptism bestowed remission upon the person baptized."
• Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.
3. What did John say about Jesus? 
• Jesus is mightier than I. I’m not holy enough to even remove his sandals or touch his feet. 
• He will baptize (in, with or by) the Holy Spirit. 
4. In what ways does John fit the prophecy from Isaiah Mark quotes in 2-3? 
• Before the arrival of the Queen of England in Jakarta, the roads between the airport and the British Embassy and Indonesian Presidential Palace were all repaired, painted and kept clean. Indonesian and even British flags were flown along the roads and from buildings welcoming her arrival. It was almost impossible for the city citizens to be unaware of her coming presence. This was the work of John the Baptist with reference to Jesus. 
• John was the “bugle fanfare,” the “drumroll,” the "opening act, warm-up act, or supporting act" before the Headliner of the show. He got everyone’s attention and after focusing it on Jesus, faded into the background. 

Additional questions over verses 1-13:

1. Why was John reluctant to baptize Jesus?
2. Why did Jesus insist on being baptized anyway?
3. What did John mean by saying that Jesus would baptize with fire and the HS?
4. What is the significance of the Spirit descending upon Jesus and the Father’s statement concerning Jesus?