Get the appLong Awaited: Prophecies of the Savior's BirthSample
THE WAY WILL BE PREPARED
GOD PLANNED A WAY FOR JESUS | ISAIAH 40:3, MALACHI 3:1
The book of Isaiah warned the Israelites about a future time of exile in response to their rebellion. However, Isaiah’s message did not end with judgment. In Isaiah 40, the warning shifts to a message of hope, declaring that a voice would cry out in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord and make paths straight for God's arrival (Isaiah 40:3).
Another prophet, Malachi, recorded a similar message of God’s promise. In Malachi 3:1, he described a "messenger of the covenant in whom you delight" who would prepare the way for God. This foreshadowed the good news of the Gospel—God’s new redemptive promise to His people.
Even in times of hardship, God gives comfort and strength to His people, assuring them of a future filled with peace and grace. When Jesus arrived, God's promise was fulfilled, and His glory was revealed on Earth!
JOHN THE BAPTIST MADE A WAY FOR JESUS | MATTHEW 3:1-5, 13-17
In Matthew 3, John—a cousin of Jesus, often called John the Baptist—began to prepare the way for Jesus’ earthly ministry. John called the people to repent, highlighting the nearness of Jesus by saying that the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
As John preached by the Jordan River, he quoted Isaiah 40:3, declaring that he had come to “prepare the way for the Lord,” and to “make His paths straight.” Many people from Jerusalem and Judea listened, confessed their sins, and were baptized.
John said that the one who was coming after him, Jesus, was far greater and mightier. In comparison, John humbly stated that he was unworthy to even carry Jesus’ shoes. He assured the people that those who trusted God’s plan and followed Jesus would be set apart and welcomed into God’s family.
As John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, a voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In this moment, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit were all present together, marking the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
This Christmas, express gratitude to those who “prepared the way” for you personally, leading you to trust and follow Jesus.
About this Plan
This study invites you to prepare your heart for the long-awaited Savior. During the season of Advent, which means “arrival,” we prepare for the birth of Christ and acknowledge His fulfillment of God’s promises. In this devotion, you’ll explore ten prophecies that foretold Jesus’ birth, each one providing a glimpse of God’s master plan in action. Each prophecy highlights God’s faithful character and reminds us that His plans for us are always full of hope. We hope these reflections help you reconnect with the wonder of Jesus, “God with us,” Emmanuel.
More
We would like to thank Everyday Scripture for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://everydayscripture.org
Related Plans
5 Unshakeable Promises in a Shaken World
College & Christ: A 30-Day Devotional for College Girls
Doing Chores - Can Helping Around the House Draw Us Closer to God? God in 60 Seconds
Matthew: Healing in His Presence
Three-in-One: The Relational God
Hebrews -- Holding on to Jesus
Words of Comfort, Hope and Joy
The Maker in the Manger
From Lost to Loved: A 30-Day Study of Romans 8
