Matthew described John the Baptist’s clothing and life-style, his message and the results of his ministry.

(NIV) Matthew 3:1-6 “NOW IN those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
2 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said,
‘THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’
4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan;
6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

John the Baptist was the main event and people flocked to see him, hear his message and respond to God through his ministry.  What he had to say was important for he was preparing the way for Messiah to be announced.

John’s clothing and life-style was one of austerity…it was fitting for someone who lived in the wilderness and not in king’s palaces.  (Jesus said so.  See Matthew 11:7-15)
John’s message was simple…‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
The result of his ministry was astounding…the Jewish people were coming to be baptized by him…and at that time they believed only Gentiles converted to the Jewish religion should be baptized.  John’s ministry was indeed preparing the people for Messiah.

What circumstances, what individuals, have come into your life to give you a wake-up call to turn to the living God?

How would you describe your relationship to the God of the Bible?  John was described by Matthew and Jesus.  I wonder, how does Jesus describe you today?

Can this be said of you?  ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

May you be blessed with Jesus’ love, mercy and forgiveness…and this will require repentance and profession of belief in the name of Jesus.