(Lesson 2277)(03-06-18) Matthew 3:1-4
    “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”

   Today’s quote introduces John the Baptist. The lessons in this quote are very important to remember because they establish the ultimate purpose for John’s coming, which was; “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”. John’s intended message was also clearly affirmed in the quote; “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”.
    At this point it is also very important to recognize that John was a devout Jew and was fully bound to every element of the old Hebrew law. That is important to remember because in order to fully understand how John was to “Prepare ye the way of the Lord,” one must understand both his divine motives and methods. Understanding John’s motivation and methods will greatly help the bible student understand why John was so important to the establishment of Christianity. However, Christianity could not be established until after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is also important to make note that John was preaching repentance, he did NOT preach the fundamentals of Christianity. That will become clearer as these lessons progress.’