As we turn to the first few verses of Mark, I find myself wondering if John the Baptist was an ancient version of a modern-day influencer like Oprah? For those of us who come to the New Testament to learn about Jesus, we wonder why we are reading about John? Why is John special? John was special because like Oprah, he genuinely wanted to see people change. Mark uses the word repentance to describe John’s message. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change of behavior. John’s message not only altered the lives of thousands, he had that special “effect,” like Oprah, to pass authoritative endorsement on to Jesus. John’s message prepared people’s hearts for Jesus, and his support lent Jesus his own influence. Let’s see what Mark has to say about John the Baptist. … Read More The “John Effect”