Isaiah and Malachi drew a picture of the special messenger who would prepare the way. Only John the Baptizer fit that picture. For whom did John prepare? John led the people to Jesus (John 3:22-36). John’s part is so important that it helps to begin each of the first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Anyone who wants to know the truth about Jesus should give careful thought to the report of John. For John too was a lover of truth. John spoke the truth so boldly that he was later killed by King Herod (Mark 6:14-29). He was an eyewitness of heaven’s sign that pointed to Jesus. He said we can be sure the Coming One promised by the Old Testament was Jesus.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about [tell of] the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light (John 1:6-7).