Prepare the way of the Lord

Well I've written a few Advent reflections for the NRUC advent book this month - so I thought I'd share them with you in the lead up to the big day next tuesday....


Text: Luke 1:76 ‘And you child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways and to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.’

Luke’s gospel gives an account of the birth and parentage of John the Baptist and links him firmly with Jesus. His birth, name, and office were foretold by the angel Gabriel to Zacharias, while Zacharias was performing his functions as a priest in the temple of Jerusalem. Zacharias’ wife, Elisabeth, was of the daughters of Aaron so John is automatically one of the priestly line. Elizabeth is Mary’s kinswoman, so John and Jesus are related. His family background gives him firm credentials to be pointing to who Jesus is. From before his birth John is set apart for a purpose, and in childhood this becomes clear to all who knew him for they could see that ‘the Lord’s hand was with him.’ (Luke 1:66)

From this point on, until he appears publicly in Israel, John goes to live in the Desert. (Lk1:80) When he appears again at the start of chapter 3 his mission is made clear in the words of the prophet Isaiah. He is ‘A voice of one calling in the desert ‘Prepare the Way of the Lord.’ (Lk 3:4) He comes to baptize with water, and to prepare the path for Jesus. Jesus is the one of whom he says: One more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) For Luke, John the Baptist plays a central role in preparing the way of the Lord, in readying the hearts of the people to hear the message of the gospel as it related to their lives.

How can we follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist? Do our lives point to Jesus? Although we follow after Jesus rather than precede him, many in today’s world do not know the Christian story. For them, coming into contact with Christian people is like providing a light to their path, an example of why following Jesus is the way to freedom from oppression and ultimately salvation.


Prayer: Lord, may my actions be a reflection of your presence in my life. May I point the way to Jesus too so that others may see Jesus and want to follow in his path.