Matthew 3:1-6

John prepared the way for Jesus Matthew 3:1-6 John was called “The” Baptist. Never was he called “A Baptist”. Saying John the Baptist identified the fact that he baptized. John “The Barber” would identify a man as one who cuts hair and saying John “The Baptist” identified him as one who baptized. He was a special man with the special mission of being a forerunner for Jesus. Both the man and his message were unique: (1) The Man “Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matthew 3:4) and, (2) The Message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2) Even today (especially today) people still need to hear preaching about “Repentance” and the “Kingdom of Heaven.” Repentance is a change of mind, a heart change, a spiritual change. The kingdom of heaven is the one church or one body of Christ. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4) Because of John's powerful preaching many repented, were baptized, and were thus prepared for the Savior. (Matthew 3:5-6) He was truly “...the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3.)