A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARED THE WAY      

Matthew 3:1-3 “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is He who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ ” 

With the ministry of John the Baptist, God begins to unfold His plan of salvation through His Son Jesus. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, prophesies foretold God sending a Savior into the world. The opening chapters of Matthew record the fulfillment some of those Old Testament prophesies including the Virgin birth of Jesus, His birth in Bethlehem, etc.   

Here in chapter three, Matthew records the ministry of John the Baptist, prophesied by God to come into the world to prepare the way for the Messiah. His message was simple and direct to the people, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He was calling the people to not only receive from God the forgiveness of their sins but also be converted from unbelief to faith in the one coming into the world in fulfillment of the Messianic prophesies.   

John’s message was the arrival of the Messiah was imminent. He had not yet come, but soon would. John’s preaching and baptizing was part of the arrival of the Messiah’s entrance into the world and reign over God’s people. Jesus’ public ministry began as He came into the presence of John the Baptist and is baptized by Him. 

Prayer: By Your grace, O Lord, as You chose John the Baptist to prepare the way for the reign of Jesus to begin so now continue to bless His reign, especially for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine,  
Didst yield the glory that of right was Thine,  
That in our darkened hearts Thy grace might shine. Alleluia! 

Thou cam’st to us in lowliness of thought;  
By Thee the outcast and the poor were sought;  
And by the death was God’s salvation wrought. Alleluia! 

Let this mind be in us which was in Thee,  
Who wast a servant that we might be free,  
Humbling Thyself to death on Calvary. 

Wherefore, by God’s eternal purpose,  
Thou Art high exalted o’er all creatures now,  
And giv’n the name to which all knees shall bow. 

Let ev’ry tongue confess with one accord,  
In heav’n and earth, that Jesus Christ is Lord,  
And God the Father be by all adored. Alleluia  (LSB 815)