As it is written among the prophets: “now, I am sending My angel before You, who will prepare Your way before You” (Mal. 3:1).
This verse shows that the coming of Christ was not a random event, but a divine plan foretold long ago. Mark connects the ministry of John the Baptist with the prophetic word, reminding us that the Lord sends His messenger ahead to prepare people’s hearts (Malachi 3:1). The word “angel” here means “messenger,” and it refers to John, who was sent not to exalt himself, but to prepare the Lord’s way. Thus the Gospel begins not with human initiative, but with God’s eternal purpose, which He had announced beforehand through His prophets.