Scripture: John 1:23 (ESV) – “He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.'”
In John 1:23, John the Baptist responds to the relentless questioning of the religious leaders with a powerful declaration of his identity and purpose. “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” With this response, John makes it clear that he is not interested in promoting himself. He is not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the Prophet. Instead, he defines himself solely by his mission: to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.
John’s answer is drawn directly from Isaiah 40:3, a prophetic passage that the religious leaders would have known well. Yet, the significance of John’s statement may have eluded them. John is not just any voice; he is the voice that Isaiah prophesied, heralding the arrival of the long-awaited Savior. His call to “make straight the way of the Lord” is a summons for spiritual preparation—a call to repentance, to remove the obstacles of sin and unbelief, and to be ready for the coming King.
Imagine the scene: a rugged, unorthodox figure standing in the wilderness, proclaiming a message that shakes the hearts of his listeners. John’s setting and appearance seem strange and even offensive to some, but his voice is undeniably powerful. He cries out not from the comfort of religious institutions but from the wilderness, a place symbolizing both spiritual barrenness and the need for God’s redemptive work. The wilderness is where God’s voice breaks through, where His call cannot be ignored.
John’s humility is profound. He does not draw attention to his own importance, even though Jesus Himself later calls him the greatest of prophets. Instead, he embraces his role as merely a voice—a messenger pointing to something far greater than himself. This challenges us to think about our own lives and witness. Are we content to be voices that point others to Jesus, or do we crave recognition and validation for ourselves? Our purpose, like John’s, is to prepare the way for the Lord, to call others to repentance and faith, and to make His path straight in our own hearts and in the world around us.
We, too, are called to be voices crying out in the wilderness of our culture, a world full of distractions and spiritual darkness. Our message must be clear: Jesus is coming, and hearts must be prepared. This call may make us uncomfortable or even unpopular, but it is a mission worth embracing. Like John, our focus must always be on Christ, not on ourselves.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you be a voice in the wilderness today, preparing the way for the Lord in your community or circle of influence?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to “make straight” the way of the Lord, removing obstacles of sin or distraction?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of John the Baptist, who humbly embraced his role as a voice in the wilderness. Help us to be faithful messengers, pointing others to Jesus and calling for hearts to be prepared for His coming. Give us the courage to speak Your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. May our lives clear the path for Your glory, making straight the way of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*edited from a sermon by Pastor Chris Cousine*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 