Whenever a king would travel he would send harbingers, those who would go ahead and announce their imminent arrival, so that people could prepare and make way. In the beginning of the third chapter of Matthew we see John the Baptist doing just this. However this is for no earthly king.
John isn’t requesting people to physically prepare as one would often have to do for a king and his convoy. He asks the people to repent. When we repent we change the way we think and feel, which then prompts a change in our lives. The true king is coming and the people must respond. Things will not be the same.
When Christ arrives our thinking changes. We must open our hearts and minds to Him. Just as people would prepare the way for a kings arrival we must prepare the way for Christ into our lives. This isn’t something easily done, just as constructing a road for a king can be filled with challenges, but if we begin to make inroads for Christ into our lives God can begin to use us.
When Jesus begins His ministry in Chapter 4 His first word is “Repent”. So to begin Christs ministry we must repent and prepare. We must first change our minds and our old ways. Then we can make a straight path through the wilderness of our hearts for Christ to sanctify us.
Matthew 3:1-3
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.’”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Who is preaching? [v1]
+ Where is he preaching? [v1]
+ What does he tell the people to do? [v.2]
+ Why does he tell them to do this? [v. 2]
+ Who does he quote? [v.3]
+ What needs to be prepared? [v. 3]
+ How do we prepare? [v.3]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Is God calling you to repent(change your mind, the way you think and feel) about something?
+ What things are preventing a straight path for the Lord into your life?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?