Mark 1:4

John Came

Paul’s job fit him perfectly. He was in charge of quality control.  His sole purpose was to examine his company’s product to make sure it met specifications. What made Paul perfect for the job was that he was a detail-oriented person. What most people would miss, Paul caught. His ability made him an invaluable asset for his company.

Most people are not like Paul. They take a brief, passing glance and say, “It looks good to me.” Often though, some easily overlooked details are the most important. Take the first words of Mark’s Gospel, “John came.” It would be easy to overlook these words.  People come and go all the time. There is, however, an important truth attached to the fact that John came, and that he came baptizing and preaching. It is a truth I need to carefully consider.

John the Baptist was the forerunner of the promised Savior. His arrival signaled everything was ready for God’s great promise to be fulfilled. As a result, John proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God (John 1:29). John testified that Jesus was the Son of God the Father (John 1:32-34). John even revealed Jesus was the one who would bring eternal life (John 3:34-35).

These are not insignificant details. They actually demand my undivided attention and my total trust. Jesus is the one who came to offer God the Father the purchase price for my release from eternal death. Jesus is the one who declared me not guilty of all charges against me for my sin.  Jesus is the one who offered me new life through the working of the Holy Spirit.

John came. Through these simple words the Lord provides a precious truth for me and for my rescue. When God the Father announced that John came, he was also announcing that Jesus had come. This is one fact I can never afford to overlook.  Because when Jesus came, my peace, my forgiveness and my new life came with him.