Mark 1:1-4 English Standard Version 

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.^[a]

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,^[b]

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way,
³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare^[c] 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.

The introduction to the book of Mark was when John Baptist declared his role in preparing the way for the Lord Jesus to come. This is a good reminder not just for John the Baptist, but for us the readers of the book of Mark as to who the real star of the show is – Jesus.

When we read through Scripture, a good guideline is to know that we are not the center of the story – Jesus is.

For example – in David and Goliath – we are not David. We are most likely to be the scared brothers of David, or even Goliath who defies God, or Saul who was a leader hiding in the tent.

In Joseph’s story – we are most likely the jealous brothers, or the lustful Potiphar’s wife or the cupbearer. I think the best we can relate to Joseph is that he remembered God when there is no other solution to this problem in life.

When we see who correctly we are in light of Scripture, we would have that desire to know God more, trust Him more and hold on to His word more. Just like John the Baptist, he knew his role and his position. He was not out there to get the spotlight from Jesus. He was humbly preparing the way for Jesus.

Mark 1:7-8

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.”

Prayer: “Lord, may I live my life not wanting to get the spotlight and the glory away from you. In the midst of blessings and success, may I know who I am in light of who you are? In Jesus name, amen!”