January 5, 2025
Voices in the Wilderness: Preparing the Way for the King
Pastor Philip Harike

Sermon Notes

I. We Can Trust God to Keep His Promise

A. God Kept His Word to Send the Messiah

Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

B. God Kept His Word to Send His Forerunner

Mark 1:2-3
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

II. Like John, We are Sent as Messengers

A. We Strive to Be Faithful to the Message

Mark 1:4-5
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

B. We Strive For Humility

Mark 1:6-8
Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

We are sent to prepare the way for others to encounter Jesus.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus and King for the first time.
• I choose to trust in the promises of God despite my circumstances.
• I commit to preparing the way for others to encounter Jesus.

Deep Dive

1. How is John the Baptist described regarding his appearance, diet, and location? How does this description serve as a reflection of his humility?
2. Read Mark 1:6-7. Why does John describe himself as unworthy to untie Jesus’ sandals? What does this say about Jesus’ authority?
3. How can you prepare the way of the Lord for someone else today?

Springboards

1. Have you been baptized? Share your story.
2. Why does baptism matter?
3. Read Mark 1:9-11 and discuss what we learn of Jesus’ baptism.