Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 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. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Why did God bother with John the Baptist? Why not just send Jesus without John the Baptist? We are told that John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, by "proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (verse 4). In other words, God wanted people to first be confronted with their sinfulness, so they would be ready to receive Jesus. In the same way We must first humble ourselves and confess our sins to be ready to receive Jesus. Healing from sexual brokenness also must start with repentance, which is why it is appropriate that the first step of the 12-step program is to admit that you have a problem. If we can't see our need, if can't admit our brokenness, then we won't be able to receive healing from Jesus.
Jesus, I confess that I need You.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 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. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Why did God bother with John the Baptist? Why not just send Jesus without John the Baptist? We are told that John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, by "proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (verse 4). In other words, God wanted people to first be confronted with their sinfulness, so they would be ready to receive Jesus. In the same way We must first humble ourselves and confess our sins to be ready to receive Jesus. Healing from sexual brokenness also must start with repentance, which is why it is appropriate that the first step of the 12-step program is to admit that you have a problem. If we can't see our need, if can't admit our brokenness, then we won't be able to receive healing from Jesus.
Jesus, I confess that I need You.