The word of God came to John the Baptist while he was in the wilderness. The message he preached was that men and women should repent because the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
John was the person who Isaiah said would come in the spirit and power of Elijah to make the way ready for the Messiah.
Isaiah said,
“Behold I send my messenger, before your face, who will prepare your way. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.’
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth. And all the people will see the salvation of God.”
John began baptizing in the wilderness and preaching repentance for the remission of sins. John wore clothing made from camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People came from everywhere to hear John preach. They came from the country of Judea and from Jerusalem. They came from the region around the Jordan. He baptized all who came to him confessing their sins.
