Mk 1:4a ... John became the one baptizing in the wilderness, ...

The gematria value of the words in red = 4,193 units

The two previous verses didn't mention the name of "the messenger" but the diagrams produced from the gematria value of the words predicted what his number would be. Verse 4 now gives his first name and the "straight paths" of this diagram confirm his number. The gematria value of the above words is equal to the length of the four red diagonals converging on John the Baptist (2220) from the raised Jesus (8880). (Note: This image is not the one in the book)

Mk 1:4b ... and preaching a baptism of repentance, ...

The theme of "preaching repentance" comes from the first verse in Isaiah ... "Comfort, give comfort to my people says your God." (Isa 40:1). (Note: This image is not the one in the book)

Mk 1:4c ... into a forgiveness of sins.

The theme of "forgiving the Jerusalemites" comes from the next line of Isaiah ... Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her service is at an end .. her guilt is expiated .. indeed she has received from the hand of the Lord ... double (forgiveness) for all her sins" (Isa 40:2). (Note: This image is not the one in the book)