Prior to Jesus going to the cross to bring forth salvation, John the Baptist prepared the way for his ministry. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) describe John the Baptist and his preparation for Christ. They present similar and contrasting perspectives to John the Baptist and his relation to the Jesus’ narrative. For instance, Mark (Mark 1: 2 – 6) immediately begins his Jesus’ narrative by indicating the mission of John the Baptist. In Mark’s declaration, he addresses his intended audience of Gentile Christians who possess familiarity with the Old Testament in the Greek vernacular. Mark also provides explanation to his audience of Palestinian customs and practices. In addressing his audience, Mark focuses on Christian faith during a period of uncertainty and martyrdom. Therefore, he quickly engages his audience in defining Jesus’ presence and authority. On the other hand, Jews represent Matthew’s (Matthew 3: 1 – 6) intended audience. Therefore, he engages differently with his audience than Mark. He intentionally focuses on God and the Israelite nation as God’s chosen people. As God’s chosen people who await restoration as defined in the Old Testament prophets, Matthew demonstrates the fulfillment of the Davidic monarch through Jesus. Matthew defines Jesus as the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom. Contrary to Mark and Matthew, Luke (Luke 3: 1 – 6) addresses a different audience in his Jesus’ narrative. Luke focuses on the history and accuracy of the Jesus’ narrative with an educated audience in mind. He purposes to not only provide an historical account, but to establish sound Christian faith by an accurate account of the Jesus’ narrative. Even though the three Gospels address different audiences, they explain the Jesus’ narrative by emphasizing that John the Baptist’s proclaiming Jesus brings about repentance.
Continue Reading: The Preparation pt. II
