“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.” Luke 3.1-6
As Luke begins this part of Jesus’ story, he grounds it in several historical and biblical accounts, adding substantive witnesses and weight to his writing. He does this by identifying the Caesar of Rome, the governor of Judea, the tetrarchs in the regions, and the prophet Isaiah, who foretold the coming Messiah.
Luke does not simply quote the Scripture in Isaiah 40:3-5 without context, nor does he suggest that the “one calling in the wilderness” is ungrounded in historical, biblical, and political contexts. John the Baptist came at a specific time and place, which we can verify through secular and Jewish history. The leaders mentioned are recorded in extra-biblical accounts (if biblical evidence is not enough!).
John had a unique role that no one else in human history could fulfill—a role he was ordained to play since the time of Isaiah, 500 to 700 years earlier. He called out in the wilderness while the people of God were lost, proclaiming, “Prepare the way….” “Make straight paths for him.” Because of the coming Messiah, “All people will see God’s salvation.”
Many events had to align for John to be born. His mother was past childbearing years, and his father, a priest, doubted the angel’s words. John was a cousin of Jesus, who was also born in an obscure village in the northern Galilee region.
John’s mission was straightforward and clear: “Prepare the way for the Lord.” In truth, this meant: ready your hearts, awaken your souls, confess your sins, and till the field for the harvest to come.
How are you preparing your soul for Jesus’ return? Have you been awakened by His Spirit? Have you lifted your heart and hands and welcomed Him into your life? And now, how will you help prepare the way for others?
This prophecy was part of God’s plan, and so are you. You are not here by accident. Your life is not a mistake. Will you receive the coming King, embrace His salvation, and bear fruit worthy of the Kingdom?
“O Lord God, this world and all that is in it is fleeting, but Your Word endures forever. Your Spirit has come to dwell with every human who believes. It is so simple, yet giving up control is always difficult. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with Your love and grace. Enable us to know the fullness of Your love and to walk in the way that leads to eternal life. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen