We learn from the Bible that John the Baptist’s ministry was predestined from God. It was actually prophesied of long before John was ever born. 700 years before Christ, to be exact. Around this time, Isaiah the prophet was given this amazing revelation about a person that would prepare the way for the Lord. It is because Isaiah hearkened unto God, is why the Lord expounded so much wisdom, knowledge and revelation to Him. It isn’t surprising that this vision came to Isaiah, for he was a faithful steward of God. Now, as we read in the gospels, we will know that John was the chosen one to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus. Now in Isaiah 40, we will read about the this prophesy in detail. While in Luke 3, we will learn about the fulfillment of this prophesy. So let us now read what these verses say:
â– Prophesy:
Isaiah 40:3-5 (KJV)
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
â– Prophesy Fulfillment:
Luke 3:1-22 (KJV)
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
With everything in the Bible, we can always know it is to be true because prophesies like this come to pass. Even though Isaiah was written hundreds of years before Christ, this prophesy of John came true at the exact moment of time that it was destined to happen. Only our Mighty God could allowed and made way for this to happen. It was not chance. Now, concerning John, we learn in Luke 3 about many things he taught, more specifically repentance and baptism. You can also here his tone in these verses, that you might understand how important his message was to the people and how he felt towards God. You can also understand his great knowledge and wisdom, and in the way he listened and answered people’s questions. His advice was a lot was right in line with what Jesus taught and this is because the Holy Spirit was with Him. Let us now read what these verses say:
Luke 3:7-18 (KJV)
7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
In reading those verses above, I pray that you will think about what John taught. Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized? These things are important in our walk with Christ. We are to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance to God. Now, because John was humble, he said that Jesus was greater than him. That is why, before he was put in prison by Herod, that Jesus came unto Him to be baptized. Though he didn’t fill worthy of such an event, he did so anyways. That was when a most amazing event took place. Imagine for a minute, the heavens opening before your eyes and seeing a dove come down in the form of the Holy Ghost. Then, hearing a voice from God, and to have everyone that is in attendance, called to hear His Son, whom he is well pleased. What a sight this would have been to witness. How extraordinary it was, indeed. Now, to get a better picture of this event, let us read the verses below:
Luke 3:19-22 (KJV)
19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Truly, God took John where he was and raised him up to do great things. In doing so, He was able to prepare the way for Jesus, our Lord. No other person was capable to do this but John, the son of Zacharias. He listened to God and that is why the word of the Lord came unto Him. He was filled with the Spirit and was able to fulfill His mission to God with perfect submission. It is no wonder why Jesus called John the greatest prophet of all. He prepared the people to hear Jesus’s message and many people that were baptized by John also followed Jesus. What John did surely is something to talk about. He saw what God wanted Him to do and He fulfilled it in every way. In closing, think about your life and what God has called you to do. Are you fulfilling His wishes? Are you a willing follower of Jesus? If not, think about where you stand with God and repent, starting today. Humble yourself and confess your sins to God, that you may be used by Him. And when your sins are forgiven, the Spirit of God will move you to do great things for the Lord. Trust in the Lord and your paths will be made straight. Lastly, please read the verses below to know how Jesus felt about John:
Luke 7:27-29 (KJV)
27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Let us pray:
Lord, I know that Your prophesies are true and will always be fulfilled. This is because Your words in the Bible are a lamp unto our feet and guide us to all truth. I find it amazing each I read the prophesies in the Old Testament and see them be fulfilled in the New Testament and even now. Truly, Your words are alive and have the power to teach us great and mighty things. One such prophesy that amazes me is the prophesy of John. Only You Lord could give this revelation to Isaiah 700 years before John even came into this world, and have it be fulfilled with John. For surely time is not a factor for You Lord. You are more than capable of moving and shaping this world, in order to see Your will be done. And what John did in total submission to Your will is remarkable. Surely, he is a great example for each us in our how we ought to respond to Your will. His calling was to prepare the way for You Jesus. Now, for us, I know that Your callings for us are important also. You have given me a calling to witness Your truths to the world. And by so doing, have given me boldness to share Your great love on the streets, online, and in my writings. I just pray that others will find their spiritual gifts and also allow themselves to be used by You. There is no greater calling then to know that I am led by You, the God of the heavens and fulfilling Your wishes on earth. To serve You Lord, is my heart’s desire. It is because I love You with all my heart, mind and soul, that I seek You and obey. I say these things Lord, in the holy Name, Jesus. Amen.