Introducing Christ - Mark 1:1-11

(John the Baptist)

by David Woods

Read "Improving Opportunities", pp. 9-10.

Read Mark 1:1-3

Discussion: John the Baptist's message to the people was, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." What is the implication of such a command?
(That we bear personal responsibility to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord.)

Discussion: What does it mean to "make his paths straight"?
(The NIV Study Bible, in its comments on Isaiah 40:3, which is the scripture John was quoting, says that the imagery is of "the ancient Near Eastern custom of sending representatives ahead to prepare the way for the visit of a monarch.")

Discussion: How might we apply John's method to our witnessing efforts?

Read Mark 1:4-6

Discussion: What was the significance of baptism?

Discussion: What does baptism do? What does baptism not do?
(Being dunked in water does not regenerate the soul. Water baptism does not save us from our sins. Water baptism is an outward sign of the inward work God has done in our hearts.)

Discussion: What does the practice of baptism teach us every new convert do?
(Yes, the new convert should be baptized with water, but more importantly, he/she should give a clear witness to the world of his/her new identity. In my experience, the baptism usually is a "church" thing. However, I have heard that some churches are encouraging baptism candidates to invite their unsaved family, friends, and co-workers to the baptism. I have heard some have even sent "invitations". I think this is a great idea since the purpose of baptism is to make a public identification with Christ.)

Discussion: "Remission" is not a word commonly used today. What does it mean?

Discussion: Why is confession of sins so important?
(Baptism without confession and repentance of sins is just being dunked in water. It is in the confession of sins that we recognize we cannot save ourselves and must trust only on grace provided by Jesus' shed blood.)

Discussion: Why did deem it important to tell us how John the Baptist dressed and what he ate? What lesson(s) might this teach us as witnesses of Christ?
(This description of the Baptist seems to indicate his desire to live simply, untangled by the wealth, etc. of the world. Also, it indicates his self-discipline. Both qualities are important for the Christian witness to evidence in his or her life even today.)

Read Mark 1:7-11

Discussion: John expresses great humility when witnessing of Christ. What are possible implications of what would happen if we were to cultivate such humility?
(We would avoid the danger in witnessing of making the story about ourselves instead of Christ. Furthermore, we might become more obedient to the call of evangelism as we recognize we are the servants of Christ and must obey His bidding.)

Discussion: What is the difference between John and Jesus' baptisms?
(John's baptism was an outward sign; Jesus' baptism was an inward spiritual work.)

Discussion: What picture of Christ did John present to his audience?

Big Idea: The purpose of witnessing is to proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

Discussion: What made John the Baptist successful in his witness?

Discussion: What characteristics or tactics of John can we copy in our attempts to witness today?

Read "Prepare the Way", p. 10.