You prepare to see a movie by purchasing a ticket.
You prepare for takeoff on an airplane by buckling your seatbelt.
You prepare for a job interview by updating your resume.
You prepare for a test in school by studying the relevant material.
You prepare to move by packing up your belongings.
We are used to the idea of preparing! We prepare for all kinds of things, all the time. And the way we prepare varies based on what we are preparing to do or where we are preparing to go.
2,000 years ago, Jesus was getting ready to start His public ministry. Before His ministry would begin, His relative, John, was sent by God to “prepare the way” for His coming. How would John prepare the way for the King of Kings?
We are used to preparing for movies, or travel, or interviews, or exams, or relocations. When it comes to those activities, we know how to prepare. But what is the most important way to prepare people for Jesus?
If Jesus were just another religious rabbi, perhaps John would have simply invited them to synagogue to participate in a ceremony or to hear a lecture on the intricacies of Old Testament prophecies.
If Jesus were just another political lighting rod, perhaps John would have invited them to the capital and briefed them on the talking points of His platform.
If Jesus were just another military general, perhaps John would have invited them to boot camp and given them a dagger.
If Jesus were just a really good guy, perhaps John would have invited them to the country club and staged a reception to welcome Jesus to the scene.
But Jesus is way more than just a rabbi, political revolutionary, military conqueror, or friend. Jesus is LORD. So how did John prepare someone to meet the LORD of Lords?
John called them to repentance: to do a 180 away from selfish independence and towards humble submission to Jesus’ sovereign leadership. John convicted them of sin so that they might be converted unto salvation. John understood that they must understand they are lost before they could ever be found.
So John went to the wilderness (not the capital). Wore animal skins (not three piece suits). Called them snakes (instead of saints). Informed people of the coming judgment (instead of saying that they were all ok).
And in this way, John prepared the way for Jesus to launch His public ministry.
Wow.
This Sunday, at Wildwood Community Church, in part 3 of our sermon series “Prepare the Way” (focusing on the first 30 years of Jesus’ life), we will be in Luke 3:1-14 as we see the Holy Spirit through John the Baptist, prepare the way for Jesus to be OUR LORD as well. Join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service. See you there … and bring friends