1. Mark 1:14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Mark mention John the Baptist’s arrest at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry?

Mark 1:14 (ESV)

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,

John’s suffering at the beginning of Jesus’ appearance is a telling sign of the road that Jesus himself will follow. He comes after John and is mightier than him, but he comes after a persecuted and apprehended predecessor. He himself will also suffer, but in his suffering and being delivered over, he will be greater than John.1