A Clear View

 

Luke 3:3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
    every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
    the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

In this chapter Luke re-introduces us to John the Baptist, the forerunner preparing the way for Christ.  The picture would be familiar to everyone in the Roman empire, with workers being sent in advance of the coming of royalty, removing stones, even leveling paths for a smooth and safe arrival of the King.  People would then line the sides of the road to get a clear view as the King came buy.  God wanted us to get a clear view of Christ come to earth for us.  In order to have the clear view the obstacles need to be remove by repentance and the reception of forgiveness.  On this John the Baptist and Jesus after him clearly agree.