Scripture to Read: John 1:23
We saw yesterday, in John 1:22, that those who were questioning John the Baptist continued to push in, wanting to know exactly who John the Baptist was. John the Baptist gives them this answer in John 1:23, “He said, ‘I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.’” Though John the Baptist had said he was not Elijah, he clearly told them that the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3 was written about him. In Mark 1:1–5 and Luke 3:1–6, God confirms that Isaiah 40:3 was a prophecy about John the Baptist. God also confirms this truth in Matthew 3:1–3, “Now in those days John the Baptist *came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’” God leaves no doubt that John the Baptist is the forerunner for Christ our Lord. Again, as mentioned yesterday, the Prophet Malachi foretold of John the Baptist’s ministry in Malachi 3:1 as well as in Malachi 4:5–6. This is significant because the religious leaders of John the Baptist’s day would have known these prophecies. Therefore, those religious leaders should have known without a doubt that their Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, had come. We also should live with zero doubt that Jesus is our One True Messiah.
Challenge & Application
• What’s the significance of John the Baptist quoting Isaiah 40:3 to those questioning him about who he was?
• How do you overcome the questions you get about your faith in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!