What does it really mean to get ready for Jesus’ coming? We Presbyterians would probably point to knowledge of important doctrines, some of which we find in verse 1: Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed Son of David that God had promised would rule over His people. Moreover, Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Word of God through Whom all things were spoken into existence (see also John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). And John the Baptist did in fact believe that the Christ would be much greater than he was, much more than simply a prophet of God.

But other denominations of Christians would have different priorities. Some might point to ceremonies or rituals that need to be observed at particular times of the year. Some might insist on participating in ecstatic worship experiences. Others might say that we need to get busy about meeting the physical needs of the poor or about spreading the good news about Jesus, in much the way that John did in verse 4.

But the focal point of John’s preaching was something else entirely: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). And as the prophet that Isaiah predicted would announce Christ’s coming to God’s people, John had every right to call his people to turn away from their sins. In fact, Matthew emphasizes his authority by indicating that John dressed in the same way that Elijah had (see II Kings 1:8). And yet John also understood that he himself was a sinner: in fact, he insisted that he was so unworthy that he didn’t even deserve to untie Jesus’ shoes.

But John also understood that repentance involves turning toward God, submitting ourselves to His Word and His will. And John taught that those who repent in such a way can be sure that we will be forgiven. In fact, John said that the Messiah would baptize us, not with water that simply points to the washing away of our sin, but with the Holy Spirit Who burns away the remnants of our sin from within us.

So, do you want to get ready for Christ’s return? Do you want to receive a fresh infilling of His Spirit? Then your top priority must be true repentance.

Mark 1:1-8 (NASB)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way;
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.'”
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.
7 And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.
8 “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk. 1:1-8 NAS)