Prelude
What does building a highway have to do with preparation for Christ’s coming? Purpose: Let’s learn how to prepare for His coming. Plan: Let’s discuss preparing the way for Christ in Luke 3:1-6.
Pilate
“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene” (Luke 3:1 NKJV)
This was around 29 AD. The tetrarchs were four joint monarchs over four Roman provinces: Judea (around Jerusalem), Galilee (up north), Iturea and Trachonitis (northeast), and Abilene (far north around Damascus).
John
“while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:2 NKJV)
Tiberius was cruel and depraved. Annas and Caiaphas were puppet high priests appointed by Rome. God’s work probably seemed insignificant.
God often begins small (Zechariah 4:9-10). John’s ministry was in the wilderness, picturing a new Exodus and a new beginning, preparing the way for Christ.
Repentance
“And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3 NKJV)
John emphasized what Jesus also preached: repentance and forgiveness. John’s baptism connected ritual washing with repentance. Repentance means to change our hearts, to turn to God. Human sins cause great harm, but God’s forgiveness provides healing and restoration.
The message of Christ’s coming is important, but was announced in the wilderness.
Prepare
“as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Luke 3:4 NKJV)
We too have an announcement in the barren spiritual waste of modern society.
Made Straight
“Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth;” (Luke 3:5 NKJV)
John fulfilled Isaiah 40:3-5. Basic principles of highway construction are making things straight, level and smooth. Today, this involves surveyors, civil engineers, and civil authorities. Land is purchased, rock and earth are removed, depressions are filled, and embankments, bridges and tunnels are constructed. Drainage and water courses are integrated. Prescribed maximum gradients improve fuel efficiency.
The thickness and number of road layers varies widely around the world. This road building metaphor pictures preparation to receive Christ.
Salvation
“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3:6 NKJV)
Jesus comes to a people prepared to receive Him, who are building straight, level and smooth lives.
God is often involved in small things, far away from the power and wealth that this world seeks, in an insignificant wilderness. Yet, the seemingly small things of God are more important than all the headlines, power, wealth and celebrity of the world.
Postlude
Do Christ’s teachings find a fast road into our hearts, or is access rough? We are preparing for an observance of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh. As our season of joy approaches, let us remember that the most important preparation is turning stoney hearts into smooth roads to welcome Christ’s coming.
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Readings
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 1:68-79
Malachi 3:1-4 a prophecy of John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ
Philippians 1:3-11 Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippian Saints
Luke 1:68-79 The Song of Zachariah or Benedictus in Latin (Song: Blessed be the Lord God Almighty)
