Mark 1:9-11 - The Preparation of John the Cleanser of Israel

The announcement of good news about Jesus the King, the Son of God begins [with the witness of Isaiah and Malachi]: 2 “Look, I send my messenger before you” (Mal. 3:1-4), 3 “a voice crying out in the desert, he will create a straight roadway for the Lord” (Is. 40:3). 4 John who cleansed [Israel] came to the desert proclaiming a cleansing of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 5 And all of the regions of Judea and Jerusalem were going out to be cleansed by him in the Jordan river, acknowledging their sins. 6 And John was clothed [like the great prophet Elijah] with a rough camel’s hair cloak and a leather belt around his waist and he was eating grasshoppers and wild honey. 7 And he was proclaiming these words, “There comes after me a Might more powerful. I am not worthy to bow down and untie the strings of his shoes.  8 I cleanse you in water, but He will cleanse you in the Holy Spirit. 9 During these days Jesus came from the Nazareth of Galilee and was cleansed by John in the Jordan river. 10 And when he went out of the water He saw the heavens splitting and the Spirit as a dove descending into Him. 11 And a voice come out of the heavens: “You are My well-loved Son, in You I am well-pleased!” (Mark 1:1-11, G. Strawbridge translation)