The Life and Ministry of Jesus
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Matthew 3:1–3
Many people in Jesus’ day expected a great leader to bring deliverance to God’s people from the wilderness, in a new exodus. In times of severe national apostasy in the Old Testament, some prophets (like Elijah) found it necessary to live outside society’s boundaries.
The Jewish people recognized that God ruled the universe in one sense now, but prayed daily for the time when his kingdom, or rule, would be established over all peoples of the earth. Isaiah 40:3 is in the context of Isaiah’s prophecy of a new exodus, when God would again deliver his people and lead them back to Jerusalem from all the nations among which they were scattered. Highways required adjustment of terrain to make them straight and level, for ancient kings. 1
Personal Encouragement
True repentance is so much more than a one time confession of sin. Repentance is a daily work of the Spirit, to cleanse our hearts. Our King wants an uncultured pathway to our hearts. What condition is your heart in today?
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19
When you walk in the Spirit, you walk in frequent repentance.
A Prayer
Lord, please make my life straight and narrow for Your purposes.
1. Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
