4 so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In the line of biblical characters, John the Baptizer is pretty special. As a prophet (a mouth piece for God) John prepared the way for Jesus. And in his humility, John claimed that his work could not compare with what Jesus would do. (“I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the sandals of Jesus”. John admitted.) The Baptizer, who would even baptize Jesus, suggested that he worked with water, while Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Now, I have read lots of interpretations of what this and other biblical passages may suggest about “Spirit baptism.” Much of that human speculation has caused me more confusion than clarity. What I believe I hear right here at the start of Mark is that Jesus is connected to the Holy Spirit in a way that even John the Baptizer was not.
That’s what we expect from The Son of God.
Prayer
Almighty God, let me start to understand how special Jesus is. Let your Spirit touch me as I follow my Lord and Savior, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Thank you for this special message