The answer is: Isaiah

Isa 40:3

In the Gospel of Mark, the first prophet quoted is indeed Isaiah, lending an intriguing depth to the text right from its opening. Mark kicks off his narrative with a shout-out to the voice crying out in the wilderness from Isaiah 40:3, signaling that the preparation for the coming of Jesus is not an isolated event but part of a longstanding prophetic tradition. This sets the stage beautifully as Mark links Jesus to the rich tapestry of Hebrew scripture.

What's particularly fascinating is that Isaiah's prophecy speaks about a messenger preparing the way. This aligns not only historically, pointing back to the Jewish context from which Jesus emerges, but also theologically, as it positions Jesus in continuity with God’s unfolding plan.

In first-century Judea, the concept of prophecy held immense weight. Prophets like Isaiah wielded their messages with divine authority, calling people to repentance and hope. Fun fact: Isaiah is often called the "fifth Gospel" because of how frequently his writings echo themes found in the New Testament. Mark’s use of Isaiah isn’t just an empty reference; it threads God’s story through time, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, echoing throughout the Bible—valued and revered across generations.

As you delve into Mark, remember that every word is carefully chosen. Behind that remarkable opening lies a hope-filled promise that something big is about to happen, transforming hearts and lives through Jesus’s ministry.