Mark 1:3

1:3 the voice of one shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make 1  his paths straight.’” 2 

Mark 2:7

2:7 “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! 3  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Mark 9:34

9:34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

Mark 10:43

10:43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant,

1 sn This call to “make his paths straight” in this context is probably an allusion to preparation through repentance.

2 sn A quotation from Isa 40:3.

3 sn Blaspheming meant to say something that dishonored God. To claim divine prerogatives or claim to speak for God when one really does not would be such an act of offense. The remark raised directly the issue of the nature of Jesus’ ministry.