Preparing the Way

Luke 3:1–6 ESV

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

Introduction:

In Luke 3:1-6, we encounter John the Baptist fulfilling his prophetic mission to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and transformation. This passage not only reveals John’s ministry but challenges us today to "prepare the way" for Christ in our hearts, communities, and world.

John the Baptist functions as a pivotal figure between the Old and New Testaments, heralding the arrival of Christ and fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about preparing the way for the Lord, showing that Christ is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

To prepare our hearts and lives for Jesus, we must embrace repentance and spiritual readiness, allowing God to transform us for His purposes.

1. God works through history. (vs. 1-2)

Hebrews 1:1–2 ESV

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Historical Context: Luke grounds John’s ministry in real-world political and religious settings, showing that God works through time and history. John entered into a world under the control of secular powers. Yet, the word of the Lord came to John, not the political and religious powers of the day.

God's Sovereign Plan: John’s calling wasn’t random; it was God’s precise moment to act. John models his ministry after Elijah and other wilderness prophets. In the Gospel of Mark, John is described as wearing camel’s hair and a leather belt and eating locust and wild honey, which also describes Elijah’s wardrobe and diet in 2 Kings 1:8.

It is a reminder to us that God is not out in the ether not involved in the events of the world. God is intricately involved in the workings of the world. Everything is done in his sovereignty and his timing.

Application: Are we attentive to God’s timing in our lives? Are we listening for His voice in the "wilderness" moments?

You could begin by setting the stage with the historical context provided in Luke 3:1-2. Emphasize how God chose a specific time and place to call John the Baptist to prepare the way, indicating that God works through history. Highlight that just as God used John, He also calls us, in our specific contexts, to be part of His redemptive work through preparation and readiness.

2. Repentance prepares us to receive Christ. (vs. 3-4)

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John's message was clear: preparing for the Messiah begins with repentance, turning away from sin, and aligning with God's will. John was offering something deeper than the ritualistic cleansings of the Jews. That was something that had to be done in order to go into the temple. John’s baptism was about repentance and changing one’s life to walk in obedience to God. It was for the forgiveness of sins.

For most Jews, this was something brand new. They had no concept of a need for repentance. They were the covenant people and were right with God. But John’s baptism declared that their Judaism was no longer sufficient.

This was precisely what Peter was pointing to when he declared that those who heard the message of the gospel must repent and be baptized. It was only through the repentance and forgiveness of sins that one could receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to walk in obedience with Christ. It is not because of our heritage that we are save it is only through faith in Christ.

Transformation Begins with the Heart: True preparation isn't external but a change of heart. Repentance is the beginning of that change. Repentance makes the way for God to come into our lives to bring transformation and allows us to live in God’s will for our lives.

Application: Are we truly turning from sin and seeking to align our lives with God’s kingdom? Preparing the way means making room for Jesus in our hearts through repentance.

3. Through the Holy Spirit, spiritual obstacles are removed. (vs. 5-6)

Romans 6:22 ESV

22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

Removing Obstacles: John’s imagery of leveling the ground symbolizes removing barriers—pride, doubt, or complacency—that hinder God’s work in our lives.

Universal Call: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” This preparation isn’t just for a few; it’s a call to everyone to receive the salvation Jesus offers.

Application: How can we "level" obstacles in our lives and communities? Are we actively making Christ accessible to others through our witness and actions?

Maybe focus on the imagery of preparing the way in verses 5-6, where valleys are filled and mountains made low. This symbolizes the transformation God wants to achieve in our lives, removing obstacles for His grace to flow freely. Consider applying this by encouraging listeners to identify and smooth out areas of resistance and prepare for God’s transformative work through Christ.

Conclusion:

To "prepare the way" for the Lord, we must recognize God’s timing, embrace repentance, and remove obstacles to His work. Just as John the Baptist proclaimed in the wilderness, we too are called to prepare our hearts and point others to the Savior.

Closing Question: How will you prepare the way for Christ this Advent season—in your heart, your relationships, and your world?