Study Guide: The Gospel of Mark 1:1-8 - John the Baptist
Five-Day Study Guide: The Beginning of the Gospel (Mark 1:1–8)
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” — Mark 1:1 (ESV)
Mark’s Gospel begins with action, not background — a direct declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God — and a call to prepare for His coming. Through John the Baptist’s life and message, we learn repentance, humility, and preparation for the presence of Yahweh in the flesh.
Day 1 – The Good News Begins
Theme: The Gospel is the announcement of Jesus as the Son of God — Yahweh in flesh.
Read: Mark 1:1–3; Isaiah 40:3–5
Key Insight:
Mark begins with Isaiah’s prophecy, showing that the “Lord” (Yahweh) of Isaiah is Jesus. The good news is not just about a teacher or miracle worker, but about God Himself entering history to redeem His people.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to you that Jesus is identified as Yahweh?
How does this truth change the way you view the message of the Gospel?
What might it mean to “prepare the way of the Lord” in your heart or your home?
Life Application:
Begin the week by inviting the Holy Spirit to show you areas that need to be “made straight” — places that need repentance, reconciliation, or surrender.
Day 2 – The Messenger in the Wilderness
Theme: God’s call to repentance often begins in the wilderness.
Read: Mark 1:4–5; Luke 3:2–6; Exodus 19:1–6
Key Insight:
John’s ministry in the wilderness echoes Israel’s journey — a place of testing, encounter, and preparation. His message of repentance was not ritual but relational, calling hearts back to God before Messiah came.
Reflection Questions:
Why did God send John to preach in the wilderness rather than in the Temple or cities?
What does repentance look like in your daily life, beyond saying “I’m sorry”?
Where is God leading you into a “wilderness” to prepare you for something greater?
Life Application:
Spend time in quiet today — step away from noise or distractions. Ask God what areas of your life He’s calling into alignment with His will.
Day 3 – The Prophet Like Elijah
Theme: John’s life pointed to humility, discipline, and prophetic purpose.
Read: Mark 1:6; 2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 11:11–13
Key Insight:
John’s clothing and diet symbolized both poverty and prophetic calling. Like Elijah, he lived simply and pointed people away from himself and toward God. Though Jesus called him the greatest born of women, even John stood outside the Kingdom that was coming.
Reflection Questions:
What does John’s lifestyle teach you about humility and simplicity?
Why is it dangerous to measure spiritual greatness by outward success?
What does it mean that “he must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30)?
Life Application:
Fast from something that competes for your attention or pride (social media, food, entertainment). Use the time to seek Christ’s glory above your own.
Day 4 – The Baptism of Repentance
Theme: Repentance prepares the heart for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Read: Mark 1:4, 8; Acts 19:1–6; 1 John 1:8–9
Key Insight:
John’s baptism was not self-administered ritual washing — it was a prophetic act of turning back to God in preparation for the coming of Messiah. His baptism pointed forward to the greater baptism — the immersion in the Holy Spirit that Jesus would bring.
Reflection Questions:
How do repentance and forgiveness prepare us to receive more of the Holy Spirit?
Why do you think John’s ministry focused on hearts, not just outward ritual?
Have you experienced a “Spirit baptism” — a deeper filling or renewal of God’s presence?
Life Application:
Confess sin and receive cleansing. Pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to fill you with renewed power, boldness, and compassion.
Day 5 – The Forerunner and the King
Theme: John’s mission was to prepare the people; our mission is to proclaim the King.
Read: Mark 1:7–8; John 3:26–31; Matthew 28:18–20
Key Insight:
John’s greatness came not from his position but his purpose — to point others to Jesus. Just as he prepared the way for Christ’s first coming, we are called to prepare the way for His return.
Reflection Questions:
How can your life point others toward Jesus more clearly?
What practical ways can you “prepare the way” for others to meet Him?
What keeps you from decreasing so that Christ might increase through your words and actions?
Life Application:
Write down one area of your life, ministry, or family where you can intentionally promote Jesus’ name above your own this week.
Pray John’s words daily: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
