All four Gospels testify that John the Baptist was chosen by God to go before Jesus as the promised forerunner. Matthew records:
“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Matthew 3:3)
Mark opens his Gospel the same way, connecting John directly to prophecy:
“As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2–3)
Luke gives the most detailed account, explaining John’s miraculous birth to aged parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. When John was born, Zechariah prophesied:
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins.” (Luke 1:76–77)
John’s mission was to call Israel to repentance and readiness for the coming Messiah. John himself testified:
“I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)
John’s role was not about drawing people to himself but pointing them to Jesus. The Gospel of John makes this clear:
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” (John 1:6–8)
And when John finally saw Jesus, he proclaimed:
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
John was chosen to fulfill prophecy, to turn hearts back to God, and to prepare the people to receive the Messiah. His calling shows that God never acts without witness, and the way for the King was prepared before His ministry began.
