In the Marcan gospel Jesus is presented as the authoritative one in that he exercises power and rule by virtue of his high position and relationship to God the Father. More so, the most prominent editorial comment by Mark which speaks to the authority of Jesus is the first statement of the gospel which begins his entire work by identifying Jesus as the Son of God. This authoritative position is reinforced by the presentation of John the Baptist preparatory ministry as fulfilment of prophecy (1:1-3) and the announcement of John the Baptist in 1:4-8.