Scripture Text: Matthew 3:1-3
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
Matthew 3:1-3
As we continue to study the writings of Apostle Matthew, we notice that, in the beginning of the 3rd chapter of his narrative, he mentions John the Baptist or John the Baptizer. By stating that in those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight."
Now, here, Apostle Matthew wants to set the tone for his readers that John the Baptist is the herald, the messenger, and the prophet of the Lord spoken of by prophet Isaiah. This was to prepare the way of the Lord, so that the people of the Lord would turn their hearts back to the Lord before the coming of the Messiah.
This scenario is crucial because, as John the Baptist is the prophet of the Lord, the people of Israel must believe in him for what he says and for what he announces and proclaims, especially by proclaiming who the Messiah is. At that time, many believed that he is the prophet of God, the herald of the Lord, and even Lord Jesus Christ mentioned him in the 11th chapter of the writings of Apostle Matthew.
However, even though Jews acknowledged him as a herald of the Lord, they still denied his testimony about Jesus being their long-awaited Messiah. Here, we see the rebellion in their hearts, as fellow Jews continually rebelled against the word of God, even before the 400 years of silence in Malachi’s time when priests became disobedient and people were unfaithful and arrogant before God.
Yet again, in the 3rd chapter of Malachi, he echoes what is spoken by prophet Isaiah, the coming of the Messiah and the arrival of the messenger of the Lord to prepare the way of the Lord, and this speaks about John the Baptist.
My fellow believer, indeed, John the Baptist is the herald of the Lord. We must believe what he says; he is the prophet of God, and all that he proclaims about our Lord Jesus Christ is true. Again, my fellow believer, Lord Jesus is the Messiah, the Promised Savior, the Son of God.
Reflect
As believers of Christ, are you willing to share the truth about Christ to others, as He is the Messiah, the Promised Savior, and the Son of God?
Remember
Apostle Matthew's desire is to testify to the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. We must embrace this truth because it is absolute—the truth that Jesus, our Lord, is the long-awaited Messiah. Put your hope and faith in Him alone.
Read
Matthew 3:1-11, Luke 1:5-24, Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Luke 7:27
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace always, saving sinners like us and making us part of Your kingdom through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This truth surpasses worldly riches because knowing who our Lord Jesus Christ is the true treasure in this life. All glory belongs to You. This is my prayer in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
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