Bible Study Outline - Mark 1:4-8
After stating the prophesies of Malachi and Isaiah in verses 2 and 3, Mark quickly tells us of the coming of John.
After stating the prophesies of Malachi and Isaiah in verses 2 and 3, Mark quickly tells us of the coming of John.
1.What is Mark saying by moving so quickly from the prophecies of Malachi and Isaiah to ministry of John?
John is the fulfillment of the prophecies.
2.Looking back to verses 1 through 3, what do these prophecies say about John?
He is the messenger who clears the way.
He will come in the desert/wilderness.
Preaching a Baptism of Repentance
The people of Israel had been without a prophet for some 400 years.
1.What does Hosea (3:4-5) say about this inter testamental period, that is the time between the Old and the New Testament.
The Israelites would live without God or His representative.
The Israelites would one day return.
Many Israelites repented at Pentecost.
2.How do you think the people pf Israel might have viewed John's coming after all those years?
The crowds are making the pilgrimage to see the figure who is announcing the fulfillment of Israel's destiny.
3.What does this long period of time between prophets tell us about God's time.
God's time is far different than that of men.
4.How should it change our thinking knowing that God operates on a different time schedule than we do?
It is a reason for rejoicing, for He is long suffering
John's Ministry was one of active participation, He came and Baptized anyone who was willing.
5.What point was Mark making regarding John's Baptizing?
John called all people to Baptism as a symbol of moral and spiritual regeneration. Mark does not tell us of certain things about John represented in the other Gospels, such as his birth Luke (1), his disagreement with the dominant schools of Judaism Matt (3:7-10) Luke (3:7-9).
John's Ministry took place mostly in the wilderness or desert.
1.What other events in Biblical history have taken place in the desert?
Exodus
2.What significances is there to john's Ministry taking place in the desert or wilderness?
It would remind Israel of her Covenantal origins in the Exodus (Jere 2:2)
The wilderness was a place of redemption to Israel and thus God's place of Grace.
Mark portrays John as the fulfiller of Elijah's climatic role of the forerunner to the one who was more powerful.
John by appearing in the wilderness fulfills both the Mosaic and prophetic prototypes.
It is a re-enactment of the inaugural event in Israels history and that is the Exodus. The Israelites were leaving the city and returning to the wilderness.
It also fulfills the promise of the prophets since the area around the Jordan is the same region associated with Elijah 2 Kings (2:6) Luke (3:3)
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke (3:3)
John calls people out of their comfortable homes and away from the Temple to a Baptism of Repentance the forgiveness of Sins.
1.What does John mean by repentance?
The Greek word used for Repentance is Metanoia (met-an'-oy-ah). Metanoia is a compound word meaning both “to change ones mind” and “to alter ones understanding”. Meaning conscious thought and a willful act as opposed to a faith built on feelings
.
2.For the forgiveness of Sin?
1.For the forgiveness of Sin, John does not bestow forgiveness.
Forgiveness belongs to the new Covenant which the Messiah will bring. Jere 31:34
2.Who was John calling to repentance?
The call is to not only notorious sinners Luke (3:12-13) and Gentiles Luke (3:14) but to the righteous as well Matt (3:7-12)
Josephus writing in Antiquities underscores John's call to reform in 18:116-118 thusly:
Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him.
Josephus actually pays more attention to John than he does to Jesus. John's attraction and influence on the world were historical.
1.Who does Mark say responded to John's message?
Whole/All
Hyperbole/ Literary exaggeration – Indicates the Covenantal people went out to be Baptized, probably as families.
2.How far did John's message of repetances travel?
The response to John's message reached Jerusalem and probably the Temple itself. John drew people from far and wide.
John's message was carried as far away as Ephesus 2 to 3 decades later.as recorded in Acts (19:1-7 )
3.Why do you think John received so much attention?
Many Jews believed there had not been a prophet since Malachi and prophets would not be restored until near the end of the age.
John's message was heard far and wide.
1.What about verse 6 strikes you as odd?
Clothing
John's garb and diet were as unusual in his day as they would be in ours, however they weren't entirely unique. Zec (13:4).
Diet
Locusts were exceptable under Jewish dietary laws Lev (11:22) NIV
John's manner of dress and choice of food recalled Eljah, who was expected to return before the end Hos (4:5-6).
John not only associated himself with Elijah by diet and dress, his criticizing of Herod Antipas echo Elijah's confrontation with Ahab. 1 Kings 18:18
1.What does John's use of a metaphor of that time period,”unworthhy to untie his sandals”, tell us about his attitude? John 3:30
Only Gentile slaves preformed this duty. John 3:30
Mark concentrates on John's message of reform and of the one more powerful.
John's Baptism was symbolic and pointed to a more powerful and permanent reality. In the Old Testament only God bestowed the Spirit.
1.What is John saying about Jesus by saying “He will baptize with the Holy Spirit”?
Jesus has the power of God the Father.
Baptism of the Spirit is greater then water Baptism.
The reference to the Holy Spirit identifies this as coming from the Father.
Mark testifies to the fact that Jesus' coming was not a random event. In the Old Testament the Bestowing of the Spirit was the prerogative of God.
4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
After stating the prophesies of Malachi and Isaiah in verses 2 and 3, Mark quickly tells us of the coming of John.
1.What is Mark saying by moving so quickly from the prophecies of Malachi and Isaiah to ministry of John?
John is the fulfillment of the prophecies.
2.Looking back to verses 1 through 3, what do these prophecies say about John?
He is the messenger who clears the way.
He will come in the desert/wilderness.
Preaching a Baptism of Repentance
The people of Israel had been without a prophet for some 400 years.
1.What does Hosea (3:4-5) say about this inter testamental period, that is the time between the Old and the New Testament.
For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days. Hosea (3:4-5) NIV
The Israelites would live without God or His representative.
The Israelites would one day return.
Many Israelites repented at Pentecost.
2.How do you think the people pf Israel might have viewed John's coming after all those years?
The crowds are making the pilgrimage to see the figure who is announcing the fulfillment of Israel's destiny.
3.What does this long period of time between prophets tell us about God's time.
God's time is far different than that of men.
4.How should it change our thinking knowing that God operates on a different time schedule than we do?
It is a reason for rejoicing, for He is long suffering
John's Ministry was one of active participation, He came and Baptized anyone who was willing.
5.What point was Mark making regarding John's Baptizing?
John called all people to Baptism as a symbol of moral and spiritual regeneration. Mark does not tell us of certain things about John represented in the other Gospels, such as his birth Luke (1), his disagreement with the dominant schools of Judaism Matt (3:7-10) Luke (3:7-9).
John's Ministry took place mostly in the wilderness or desert.
1.What other events in Biblical history have taken place in the desert?
Exodus
2.What significances is there to john's Ministry taking place in the desert or wilderness?
It would remind Israel of her Covenantal origins in the Exodus (Jere 2:2)
The wilderness was a place of redemption to Israel and thus God's place of Grace.
Mark portrays John as the fulfiller of Elijah's climatic role of the forerunner to the one who was more powerful.
John by appearing in the wilderness fulfills both the Mosaic and prophetic prototypes.
It is a re-enactment of the inaugural event in Israels history and that is the Exodus. The Israelites were leaving the city and returning to the wilderness.
It also fulfills the promise of the prophets since the area around the Jordan is the same region associated with Elijah 2 Kings (2:6) Luke (3:3)
Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." 2 Kings (2:6)
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke (3:3)
John calls people out of their comfortable homes and away from the Temple to a Baptism of Repentance the forgiveness of Sins.
1.What does John mean by repentance?
The Greek word used for Repentance is Metanoia (met-an'-oy-ah). Metanoia is a compound word meaning both “to change ones mind” and “to alter ones understanding”. Meaning conscious thought and a willful act as opposed to a faith built on feelings
.
2.For the forgiveness of Sin?
1.For the forgiveness of Sin, John does not bestow forgiveness.
Forgiveness belongs to the new Covenant which the Messiah will bring. Jere 31:34
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jer (31:34) NIV
2.Who was John calling to repentance?
The call is to not only notorious sinners Luke (3:12-13) and Gentiles Luke (3:14) but to the righteous as well Matt (3:7-12)
Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.
Luke (3:12-13) NIV
Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
Luke (3:14) NIV
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt (3:7-12) NIV
Josephus writing in Antiquities underscores John's call to reform in 18:116-118 thusly:
Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him.
Josephus actually pays more attention to John than he does to Jesus. John's attraction and influence on the world were historical.
5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
1.Who does Mark say responded to John's message?
Whole/All
Hyperbole/ Literary exaggeration – Indicates the Covenantal people went out to be Baptized, probably as families.
2.How far did John's message of repetances travel?
The response to John's message reached Jerusalem and probably the Temple itself. John drew people from far and wide.
John's message was carried as far away as Ephesus 2 to 3 decades later.as recorded in Acts (19:1-7 )
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Acts (19:1-7) NIV
3.Why do you think John received so much attention?
Many Jews believed there had not been a prophet since Malachi and prophets would not be restored until near the end of the age.
John's message was heard far and wide.
6John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
1.What about verse 6 strikes you as odd?
Clothing
John's garb and diet were as unusual in his day as they would be in ours, however they weren't entirely unique. Zec (13:4).
"On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to deceive. Zec (13:4) NIV
Diet
Locusts were exceptable under Jewish dietary laws Lev (11:22) NIV
Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. Lev (11:22) NIV
John's manner of dress and choice of food recalled Eljah, who was expected to return before the end Hos (4:5-6).
John not only associated himself with Elijah by diet and dress, his criticizing of Herod Antipas echo Elijah's confrontation with Ahab. 1 Kings 18:18
7And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
1.What does John's use of a metaphor of that time period,”unworthhy to untie his sandals”, tell us about his attitude? John 3:30
Only Gentile slaves preformed this duty. John 3:30
8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark concentrates on John's message of reform and of the one more powerful.
John's Baptism was symbolic and pointed to a more powerful and permanent reality. In the Old Testament only God bestowed the Spirit.
1.What is John saying about Jesus by saying “He will baptize with the Holy Spirit”?
Jesus has the power of God the Father.
Baptism of the Spirit is greater then water Baptism.
The reference to the Holy Spirit identifies this as coming from the Father.
Mark testifies to the fact that Jesus' coming was not a random event. In the Old Testament the Bestowing of the Spirit was the prerogative of God.
posted by Clyde | 10:52 PM
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