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John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit! --- Mark 1:7-8 V7-8 - Although John was the first genuine prophet in 400 years, Jesus the Messiah would be infinitely greater than he, John was pointing out how insignificant he was compared to the one who was coming. John was not even worthy of being his slave. What John began, Jesus finished. What John prepared, Jesus fulfilled. V 8 - John said Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Spirit, sending the Holy Spirit to live within each believer. John’s baptism with water prepared a person to receive Christ’s message. This baptism demonstrated repentance, humility, and willingness to turn from sin. This was the beginning of the spiritual process. When Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit, the entire person is transformed by the Spirit’s power. Jesus offers to us both forgiveness of sin and the power to live for him. --- Life Application Study Bible note