“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’” (Mark 1:3)
John was preaching in the desert. He told the people to be baptized to show that they wanted to change their lives, and then their sins would be forgiven.
Many people from Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem came out to him, and they were all baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
John wore clothes made from camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
He told the people, “After me comes He who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.”
John pointed the people to Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah.
He also indicated his own position; after all, he was just the one who prepared the way for the Lord Jesus. John was a humble figure. Simply clothed, he lived in the desert. He told the people, “I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Can you imagine all those people going to John to confess their sins and being baptized?