"Thus John's ministry was to abase the proud and life up the humble. He prepares people for the Messiah through repentance and forgiveness, that they might receive the Messiah - the Lord in the flesh, who was come to save them - and not be destroyed.
So it is that John still ministers to us today. We still need preparation. The Gospel begun in the wilderness continues now among us. King Messiah, risen from the dead, comes to us hidden in bread and wine, but He is not less dangerous now than He was then. We must be prepared, and we are prepared in the same way: repentance, baptism and forgiveness. Thus prepared, the coming of Jesus is indeed very good news."
God With Us, David H. Petersen, page 38
