“While Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”

—Luke 3:2-4 NKJV

“John, the son of Zacharias,” is the one we know as John the Baptist. Looking at his life and calling, we see that he was in the wilderness, went into all the regions, and preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. He prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that he went into all the regions—he wasn’t content knowing that there were people unprepared to meet Jesus. He had a passion for the lost to be found and desired to bring people to Christ, trusting that the Lord would fulfill His promise to cleanse those who repented and turned to Him.

Preparing the way isn’t just a command for John the Baptist—we are all called to prepare the way. Jesus is coming again, and we are called to make ready for His return. As He commanded in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Preparing people to see Jesus is the same way John the Baptist prepared the way: we go to all nations, calling people to repentance—which means turning away from a life of sin—and to the remission of sins, which comes through the body and blood of Jesus. We make disciples by teaching them to live in repentance and embrace forgiveness through Christ. Let your life be a witness, proclaiming Jesus’ sacrifice to all nations.

If you have had a radical encounter with Jesus, don’t keep Him to yourself—teach and proclaim what He has done to all nations!

Thank You, God, for everything You have done. Lord, help me to prepare the nations for Jesus and guide them to turn to You. I need Your Holy Spirit and power to fulfill this mission! I love You, and I praise You. Amen.