Who's really in charge?
Have you really welcomed Jesus into your life?
The Gospel of Mark begins with an electrifying announcement: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)
With those words, Mark isn’t just introducing a story—he’s declaring a new era. Harkening back to the Genesis account, Mark declares the beginning of something just as momentous--a new creation, a new era, a new work of God breaking into history.
But before Jesus officially begins His ministry, preparation is required. And that preparation begins with John the Baptist. "Behold, I send my messenger...who will prepare Your way before you. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight!'" (Mark 1:2-3)
Every great arrival requires preparation. When a king visits a city, roads are cleared, banners are raised, and people get ready to welcome him. In the same way, God sent John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the people—not by organizing parades, but by calling them to repentance.
John’s message was clear:
John’s mission wasn’t to draw attention to himself. His entire life pointed forward—to Jesus, the One who would baptize not with water but with the Holy Spirit. His job was to simply prepare people's hearts to welcome the King of Kings.
What Does This Mean for Us?
John’s call to prepare wasn’t just for the people of his day—it’s for us too. Meeting Jesus isn’t just about knowing His name or believing He exists. It’s about making room for Him in our lives.
Many of us want Jesus to be part of our lives, but not necessarily in charge of them. We want His blessings, His peace, and His strength—but we hesitate to fully surrender control.
Preparation means asking tough questions:
Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us. He came to reign! And if He is truly King, then our role is not to invite Him into our plans—but to surrender to His.
A Challenge for This Week
Preparation takes intentional steps. This week, take a moment to reflect:
The King has arrived. The question is—have you really welcomed Him into your life? Is He in charge? May we all recognize as John did how worthy Jesus is of our surrender--"There comes One after me who is mightier than me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose." (Mark 1:7)
The Gospel of Mark begins with an electrifying announcement: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)
With those words, Mark isn’t just introducing a story—he’s declaring a new era. Harkening back to the Genesis account, Mark declares the beginning of something just as momentous--a new creation, a new era, a new work of God breaking into history.
But before Jesus officially begins His ministry, preparation is required. And that preparation begins with John the Baptist. "Behold, I send my messenger...who will prepare Your way before you. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight!'" (Mark 1:2-3)
Every great arrival requires preparation. When a king visits a city, roads are cleared, banners are raised, and people get ready to welcome him. In the same way, God sent John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the people—not by organizing parades, but by calling them to repentance.
John’s message was clear:
- Turn from sin—Don’t just regret wrongdoing; change direction.
- Open your heart—True preparation happens inside, not just through outward rituals.
- Recognize the greatness of Jesus—John himself said, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming… I am not worthy to untie His sandals.” (Mark 1:7)
John’s mission wasn’t to draw attention to himself. His entire life pointed forward—to Jesus, the One who would baptize not with water but with the Holy Spirit. His job was to simply prepare people's hearts to welcome the King of Kings.
What Does This Mean for Us?
John’s call to prepare wasn’t just for the people of his day—it’s for us too. Meeting Jesus isn’t just about knowing His name or believing He exists. It’s about making room for Him in our lives.
Many of us want Jesus to be part of our lives, but not necessarily in charge of them. We want His blessings, His peace, and His strength—but we hesitate to fully surrender control.
Preparation means asking tough questions:
- What areas of my life need to change to truly welcome Jesus as King?
- Are there sins or habits I need to turn from?
- Am I holding onto control instead of submitting to Him?
Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us. He came to reign! And if He is truly King, then our role is not to invite Him into our plans—but to surrender to His.
A Challenge for This Week
Preparation takes intentional steps. This week, take a moment to reflect:
- Identify one area of your life where you’ve been trying to maintain control rather than surrendering to Jesus.
- Pray specifically about that area and ask God to help you let go and trust Him.
- Take a practical step—whether that’s confessing a struggle, changing a habit, or choosing obedience in something God has been prompting you to do.
The King has arrived. The question is—have you really welcomed Him into your life? Is He in charge? May we all recognize as John did how worthy Jesus is of our surrender--"There comes One after me who is mightier than me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose." (Mark 1:7)
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