Just like John, Jesus appears as a herald (kèrussein, Mark 1:4 and Mark 1:14). The difference lies in the content of his proclamation. This is now characterized as the good news, the gospel. By the use of the definite article Mark suggests that we are hearing something that was already expected. Indeed, in the prophets we read about a person who is anointed with God’s Spirit (see Mark 1:11–13) to bring good news (Isaiah 61:1–3). He who was anointed at the Jordan now brings the good news that was promised. John called the people to repentance because the Lord himself was coming: now the Messenger of good news has come, anointed with God’s own Spirit.¹