The answer is: Isaiah

Isa 40:3

In the Gospel of Mark, Isaiah kicks off the prophetic echoes with the mention of a messenger in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord. This isn't just a random selection; it sets the stage for Jesus' arrival and baptism by John the Baptist, highlighting the unbroken line between the ancient prophets and the ministry of Jesus.

Interestingly, Isaiah lived in a tumultuous period for Israel, much like the time just before Christ’s ministry. This prophecy from Isaiah 40:3 encapsulates the idea that hope emerges in chaotic flickers of devotion. The imagery of a "voice crying in the wilderness" (which happens to be John the Baptist's calling) reminds us how often divine messages seem to arise from unexpected places. When God is about to do something new, the voice is often not roaring in palatial courts but gently ringing in desolate places.

As you dive deeper, fascinating trivia emerges: much of Isaiah's seventy-plus chapters talks about comfort, encouragement, and deliverance—themes that resonate throughout the New Testament. Echoes abound as you trace fulfillment instances of Isaiah’s words throughout the Gospels. Each echo serves as a reminder that the journey of faith is anchored on promise and hope, from the desert roads of ancient prophecy all the way to the riverbanks where Jesus began His revolutionary path. Isn't that an inspiring thought? It weaves together a rich fabric of anticipation and revelation that encompasses eternity.