WEEK 1
Day 1
Reading: Mark 1:1–20
SOAP: Mark 1:7–8
He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John the baptizer had an important calling. His job was to preach repentance to all who would hear because Jesus, the Messiah, was coming. It was not an easy calling. In strange clothes with strange habits, John preached a strange message: repent and be baptized. John knew Jesus was on His way.
John knew what Jesus had come to do because he knew the Scriptures, and they pointed to Jesus. While he baptized with water, Jesus would bring an even greater gift, the Holy Spirit. John proclaimed Jesus’ deity. Jesus was baptized by John, showing His humility and His purpose.
The Gospel of Mark continually asks (and answers) the question, “Who is Jesus?” John provided the first answer, recognizing the deity and power of Christ before any miracle had been performed.
Lord, thank You for Your faithful servant, John. I pray that You would impart in me the same kind of devotion and faithfulness to proclaim who You are. Amen.