“For he is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, who said: ‘A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!’” (v. 3)

It’s a detail we remember readily:

John, who baptizes, arrives as the one Isaiah expected. He is a voice from the wilderness, crying out as the Messiah’s herald.

And his message is this:

“Make straight the path!”

So…what in the world does that mean?

Consider the context: We meet John in the Jordan where he is baptizing. Specifically, it is a baptism for repentance, and it is accompanied by a confession of personal sin. That’s the messenger’s ministry.

So how do we, who hear his voice crying out, make straight paths for the Messiah?

Repent. Confess sin and turn around from it. Live as one who has left it behind. Worship, pursue purity, and produce fruit. And keep looking to the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

The straight path for the Messiah runs through changed hearts. By grace, He makes you new. By conviction, you tend the way.

— Tyler