The Gospel outlined a new path: self-denial.

Already the first major figure to appear in the Gospel story according to Mark, the figure of John the Baptist, is enveloped in this new spirit.

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ... But John wore a robe of camel's hair, and a leather girdle on his loins, and ate locusts and wild honey (Mk. I.4,6).

With all his appearance, he seemed to be saying to his listeners: "It is not in wealth, not in luxury, not in human glory, not in earthly power that we must seek the way to God and to happiness. All this is a lie, a deception, a ghost! The desert is better than the royal palaces, for its eternal silence and monotony do not distract the mind and allow one to immerse oneself entirely in the contemplation of the works of God and God's majesty. Sackcloth is better than fine fabrics and expensive clothes, for it does not soften the body, but, exhausting it, makes it an obedient slave of the spirit. The scanty food of the desert is better than exquisite viands, for it does not awaken in man voluptuousness and lust. A harsh life in the midst of nature is better than the idle, lazy existence of the rich, for it tempers the will for podvig. Renunciation of the world is better than attachment to the world, for a man who is not bound by anything, free in spirit, can serve God with all his being."

And all the country of Judah and the people of Jerusalem went out to him (Mk. I, 5), expecting to find in John the long-desired prophet, the Savior of the world. But this was only His forerunner.

His strongest followed him.

Chapter I, verses 14-13.

The Evangelist Mark is almost always depicted with a lion. This is his emblem. An emblem of power, strength, royal majesty. In the halo of this power and greatness, the Evangelist wanted to depict the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why it was given this emblem. Indeed, in the narration of St. Mark, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ especially often and vividly appears with these features - Divine greatness and spiritual power.

In the very first chapter of the Gospel, these features are noted several times. The authoritative truthful word of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is devoid of ingratiation and servility: And they marveled at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. The scribes sought only success and glory, and in order to win the applause of the crowd, they often flattered their passions and justified their prejudices. The Lord was alien to this weakness.

His calm, confident power over evil spirits: Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him." Then the unclean spirit shook him and cried out with a loud voice, and went out of him.

The extraordinary impression that the manifestation of His power made on the spectators: And they were all terrified, so that they asked one another, What is this? what is this new doctrine, that He commands even unclean spirits with authority, and they obey Him?

His tremendous power of healing, acting instantly and healing radically: Simonov's mother-in-law was lying in a fever; and immediately they speak to Him about it. Approaching, He lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and the fever immediately left her, and she began to serve them.

The versatility of this healing power, which cured the most diverse diseases: At the onset of evening, when the sun set, all the sick and possessed were brought to Him... And He healed many who were afflicted with various diseases; cast out many demons.

Thus, even in the few verses quoted, the Lord Jesus Christ appears before people as an extraordinary prophet, mighty in deed and word (Lk. XXIV, 19).