In this passage Mark begins his gospel of Jesus Christ and begins to answer the question of the

identity of the man on the middle cross. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. What significant descriptions of Jesus does Mark give in verse 1? Why are these descriptions important? What do they mean?

2. Read Ex. 23:20, Mal. 3:1, and Is. 40:3. What do these verses prophesy?

3. Who does the messenger prepare the way for? Why is this significant?

4. What similarities does John have with Elijah (see Mal. 4:5 and 2 Kings 1:8)? What was similar with their message?

5. Read Matthew 17:12-13 and Luke 1:11-17. How does the Bible affirm that John the Baptist is the awaited-for Elijah?

6. What do we learn about the "One" to come from the verses referenced in Question 2 and from verses 7-8 of our passage?

7. Why is it important to know who the man on the middle cross was?

8. How does it encourage you to know that God fulfills His promises, and that these events are rooted in actual historical events with thousands of eyewitnesses?