As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ (Mark 1: 2-8)

We have moved from the gospel of Luke to that of Mark.

Like Luke the authority of Isaiah is invoked. Matthew and John make the same connection to ancient prophecy.

All of the gospel writers honor the Baptizer, but point to "one who is more powerful" for whom John is preparing the way.

Mark and Matthew offer a physical description of the Precursor that has captured our imagination. The gospels of John and Luke do not describe his appearance.

Four narratives, several continuities and several discontinuities... as will be seen in the days ahead.