John the Baptist

Mark 1:1-8

Introduction

• Mark 1:1-8

• John 3:30

John the Baptist...

1. Prepared the way.

• Mark 1:2-3

2. Preached the truth.

• Mark 1:4

• Matthew 3:7-10

• Mark 1:4

• Mark 1:5

• Acts 19:3-5

3. Lived the life.

• Mark 1:6-8

• John 1:19-28

• Matthew 11:11

• John 8:30

• Mark 1:6-8

• Luke 1:15

• Leviticus 11:21

• Mark 1:6-8

• Ephesians 1:13-14

• Mark 6:27-29

• John 10:10

Application

• Pray and ask God for open doors.

• Share the Word of Truth.

• Your testimony matters for your witness.

John the Baptist: Preparing the Way for Jesus

Mark 1:1–8

Big Idea: God calls us to prepare the way for Jesus by speaking His truth, living out our faith, and pointing others to Christ rather than ourselves.

1. Warm-Up

If you could invite one person to meet Jesus, who would it be, and what would you want them to know about Him? For families with younger children: If you could introduce a friend to your very best friend, what would you tell them about that person?

2. Read God's Word

Read Mark 1:1–8 together. As you listen, look for what John the Baptist did to prepare people for Jesus.

What stands out to you about John?

What do you learn about Jesus from John's message?

3. Discuss the Three Marks of John's Ministry

He prepared the way. (Read Mark 1:2–3)

John's ministry fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that a messenger would prepare the way for the Lord. His job was to get people ready to receive Jesus.

Why do you think people sometimes need someone to help them become open to hearing about Jesus?

What are some ways we can prepare the way for Jesus in our homes, friendships, workplaces, or schools?

Apply it: Who is one person you could pray for this week, asking God to open a door for a spiritual conversation?

He preached the truth. (Read Mark 1:4–5 and Matthew 3:7–10)

John called people to repent and be baptized, demonstrating a change of heart and a desire to turn toward God. He did not simply tell people what they wanted to hear; he called them to respond to God's truth.

What is the difference between telling someone what they want to hear and lovingly sharing what they need to hear?

Why should repentance be part of our understanding of following Jesus?

How can we share biblical truth with both courage and compassion?

Apply it: Think of a conversation where you might have an opportunity to share God's Word. What could it look like to speak truth with grace rather than judgment?

He lived the life. (Read Mark 1:6–8 and John 1:19–28)

John's lifestyle reflected his calling, and his message consistently pointed people beyond himself to Jesus. When others wanted to know who he was, John made it clear that he was not the Christ. His purpose was to direct attention to the One who was greater than he was.

John's humility is captured in John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

What does it look like for Jesus to increase and for us to decrease in everyday life?

How can the way we treat our family, respond to conflict, or handle disappointment make our testimony about Jesus more believable?

John pointed people to Jesus rather than himself. How can we do the same when we share our personal stories of faith?

Apply it: What is one attitude or behavior you could change this week so that the people closest to you see more of Jesus in your life?

4. Put It into Practice

John the Baptist reminds us that our responsibility is not to save people or force them to believe. Our responsibility is to faithfully point them to Jesus. Choose one practical step for this week:

Pray for an open door - Ask God to give you an opportunity to encourage someone or talk about Jesus.

Share the Word of Truth - Share a Scripture, a biblical truth, or a word of encouragement with someone who needs it.

Live out your testimony - Show Christ's character through your words, choices, forgiveness, and love.

Final discussion question: If someone watched your life this week, what might they learn about Jesus?

5. Close in Prayer

Invite each person to name one person they want to pray for this week. Then pray together:

“Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us. Give us hearts like John the Baptist—humble, courageous, and faithful. Open doors for us to share Your truth, help us live in a way that honors You, and give us the words to point others to Jesus. May He increase in our lives and may our pride decrease. Use our testimony to draw others toward You. In Jesus' name, amen.”