Read Luke 3:1-21

John the Baptist begins his ministry in the wilderness. The word of God came to him and he began to preach. He will proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John came to prepare the way for Christ. The message that he is preaching will be consistent with the message that Jesus will teach. Baptism will be significant with Jesus as this is the way that we connect to his death and resurrection as noted in Romans 6.

The people will go out to John and seek his instruction on how they should live. He teaches them to share with those in need, to not take advantage of others and the bear fruit. This is also consistent with the things that Jesus will teach. The message is geared toward conditioning the heart to be connected to the word. When the heart is connected it shows in our actions.

John will also point the way toward Christ. He exalts Jesus above himself. That is further confirmed at the baptism of Jesus. The Holy Spirit descends and God speaks from heaven. This would confirm how different Jesus is. God did not speak from heaven often and it had been a long time. John had been telling the people Jesus would come and he was greater. This would confirm that.