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Tell Me About His Preparation

Mark tells us about Jesus’ preparation for ministry as the Christ so that we would prepare ourselves to receive him as the Son of God.

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Discuss:
What is something you had to prepare for in life (a test, a job, a big event), and how did that preparation impact your success?

John the Baptist’s role was to prepare people for Jesus’ arrival. What do you think true spiritual preparation looks like today (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-9)?

Why do you think Jesus, though sinless, was baptized? What does this moment reveal about His identity and mission?

What does Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness tell us about his identity? How does it compare to other moments of testing in Scripture (e.g., Israel in the wilderness, Adam in the garden)?

Apply:
What distractions or obstacles in your life might be keeping you from fully preparing your heart to receive Jesus as the Son of God, both now and when he returns? Is there anything you need to confess and repent of (1 John 1:9)?

As the Father delights in Christ, how can you actively express your delight in Jesus in your daily life?

What is one area of your life where you need to submit more fully to Jesus’ authority, and what will you do this week to surrender it to Him?

Commit:
This week, take one intentional step to prepare your heart for Christ—whether through repentance, time in Scripture, or prayer—asking God to shape you for greater faithfulness.

Further Study:
Read Isaiah 40:1-5 and Malachi 3:1-4; 4:1-6. How do these passages deepen your understanding of John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus?

Compare Jesus’ temptation in Mark 1:12-13 with Matthew 4:1-11. What additional details does Matthew provide, and how do they strengthen our understanding of Jesus’ victory over temptation?