Mark 1:2-6, Matthew 3:1-6, Luke 3:3-6
Reading 1
“2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.”
Mark 1:2-6
“1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 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.’” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Matthew 3:1-6
“3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
Luke 3:3-6
As we have progressed in the various accounts of the four gospels we are now getting to a point in which there are clear overlapping elements of these 4 letters. Notice the readings today from Mark, Matthew, and Luke. I encourage you to slowly read each writing. Consider how close these accounts are.
In each account the authors are providing information regarding the pre-ministry of Christ. Each writing is recording both how and when John the Baptist begins his ministry. The gospel authors record that John is acting as both preacher and prophet. Quoting from Isaiah John is announcing Christ and God’s graceful plan throughout the ages.
Today we begin a new month and I want to challenge you from our text today. God works and uses His people as His mouth piece. John the Baptist was chosen by God to be used for a purpose. He preached Christ and did so from God’s Word. Isaiah was chosen by God to be used for a purpose. He preached God’s promise of a coming Messiah. Isaiah trusted and relayed God’s Word’s to God’s people.
Often when we consider a John the Baptist or Isaiah figure we automatically assume we don’t have whatever perceivable thing we think that John the Baptist or Isaiah or other Biblical figure had. However I want to challenge both myself and any reader of this blog to this fact. We are offered and have the same source of strength as any Biblical figure. We are offered Jesus and clearly the Bible teaches that in a uniquely structured way we are to use our life as a reflection, voice, path, etc. toward Him. How might God be moving you to or toward someone this month? How might God be uniquely using you as a mouth piece for His purposes?
