Preparing the Way

MEMORY SELECTION: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” —Matthew 3:3

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:1-12

JOHN the Baptist was given the honorable task of directly introducing the Savior of the world. And what an honor and privilege that was!

Our Lord Jesus declared of John, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”—Matt. 11:11

This scripture acknowledges John as being the last of the prophets of God, and indeed one of the most important and dedicated. The text also draws attention to the opening phase in the plan of God as concerns the heavenly calling. Our Lord Jesus opened a new and living way—an invitation to share with him a place in the kingdom.—Rom. 8:17

We note John’s words, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (3:2) The Savior, whom he announced, was about to select those who would be joint-heirs with him in his future heavenly kingdom. The prophet recognized that he was not eligible for that honor, yet he rejoiced in the privilege of announcing the bridegroom, saying, “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.”—John 3:29

John’s mission, aside from that of announcing the Savior to the world, was to arouse the nation of Israel to the fact that Messiah had come. He proclaimed that the one who would be king in that long-promised kingdom of God was at hand. If any of the children of Israel wished to share in the ruling phase of that kingdom they should begin to prepare their hearts accordingly.

It was evident that the nation as a whole would not be accepted for such privileges, but as individuals they were thus invited to make a thorough search of their hearts, turn from the sin that beset them, and symbolize their newness of heart by baptism and putting away their former lusts.

John was a most able prophet of God. He possessed a strong and rugged character fully devoted to the task before him. His experiences in the wilderness had specially prepared him to proclaim the message that the Lord had given him. This message had a special appeal to the minds of the people.

He was faithful in telling the people that his work and baptism were merely preparatory, and that the higher teaching and baptism would be instituted by the Lord Jesus. “For this is he that was spoken of by the Prophet Esaias [Isa. 40:3], saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”—Matt. 3:3

As a humble servant of God, John recognized Jesus’ relationship to God was that of a son, while his own relationship was that of a servant. The honor and dignity of Jesus was so great that in comparison he was not worthy to unloose his shoes.

Messiah’s baptism was for the faithful. “Israelites indeed” were to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and invited to share in all the honors and privileges associated with the kingdom of God.

As a nation the children of Israel were denied the privilege of joint-heirship with the Lord in his kingdom and only a few individuals—a remnant—responded. Thus was the invitation extended to Gentile believers who have since entered into the baptism of death with the Master and have sought to walk in his footsteps.—Rom. 6:3-5

John the Baptist was faithful in his commission to the Lord. Let each of us be faithful in carrying out our consecration vows to do that which would be pleasing to him.

| Home Page | Table of Contents |