Light Of The World – ” Now What?” 12.26.21

December 26, 2021
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John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 

2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare the way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

Mark 1:1-3 NLT

  • Wilderness – Exodus / Garden
  • Prepare the way / Clear the Road

4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse animal hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Mark 1:4-8 NLT

Mark is quickly sharing with the Romans (and future readers) who Jesus is and who John the Baptist is not.

Jesus – Messiah

  • Jesus was the one to save His people. He is the Son of God. 

John the Baptist – Messenger 

  • Messenger – one who would go before a King would arrive and “prepare the way”. This servant would often make sure the roads were smooth and clear. 

The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” 12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.  Mark 1:9-13 NLT

  • The one that was in the wilderness proclaiming, is now baptizing the Son of God. 
  • Jesus enters the wilderness himself, compelled by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan (the adversary) for 40 days. 

14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good news. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”   Mark 1:14-15 NLT

Jesus says “go tell”.

  • He lived to tell.
  • We must tell so others may truly live.

15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”   Mark 16:15-16 NLT

  • Go and preach!
  • The way has already been cleared and the King has come!
  • The “Wilderness” has been silenced.
  • Now What…We go and tell.

Next Steps:

  • Listen to the ones that have proclaimed Jesus.
  • Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!
  • Go tell about Jesus.
Next Steps

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