What are some of the prophecies concerning the forerunner of Messiah?

(NIV) Isaiah 40:3 & Malachi 3:1a give prophesies of: “A voice of one calling:
‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.”

The hearts and minds of the people were prepared for the Messiah…His glory would be revealed.  John was the messenger chosen by God before he was conceived by Elizabeth and Zechariah.  (Luke 1:13-17)

John would prepare the hearts of the people to repent and ask forgiveness and know the salvation which is through Messiah.  He would proclaim the coming of Messiah to the people of Israel…and he would do it in the wilderness, where he baptized in the Jordan River.  (Luke 1:76-78)

John had the privilege of baptizing Messiah!
He saw and had confirmation that Jesus was Messiah (God’s Anointed One), the Son of God. (John 1:31-34)

John proclaimed: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

How was John different from Jesus?  John’s birth was also a miracle (he was born to elderly parents), but he was not the Son of God, Jesus was!
John lived most of his life in the wilderness and Jesus lived most of His life in the town of Nazareth.

John’s life-style was reflected by the way he dressed: in camel’s hair with a leather belt and he ate honey and locusts.  Jesus dressed as others of that day and ate the foods commonly eaten.
John’s life-style was austere and Jesus’ life-style was like most people of that time.

Jesus said concerning John:
(NIV) Luke 7:26-28 “But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  27This is the one about whom it is written:
‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
Who will prepare your way before you.’
28I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John…”

Who was John the Baptist?  He was a prophet and Jesus said he was more than a prophet.  John announced the coming of Messiah to Israel.  No other prophet had that privilege to introduce Messiah personally.

John the Baptist was a man whom God called to a unique (one of a kind) ministry.

How are you responding to God’s call in your life?