The Gospel of Mark begins with the work of John the Baptist. Which was foretold by Old Testament prophets (Mark 1:2-3), Which proved to be very successful (Mark 1:5) His ministry was cut short however by imprisonment (Mark 1:14). Though John's work was short-lived, it was clearly important. Each of the four gospels preface Jesus' ministry with that of John's. Mark described it as "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ..." (Mk 1:1). To understand the message and ministry of Jesus Christ, we must start with the one sent to "prepare the way of the Lord".
