Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 3:3

"For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight." — Matthew 3:3 (ASV)

Matthew keeps to his custom of quoting from the Old Testament. The prophets not only described the King, but His forerunner also. They mention the character of this harbinger.

He was a "voice" —(Jesus is "the Word"); his tone, "crying"; his place, "in the wilderness"; and his message, which was one of announcement, in which he required preparation for the coming King, "Prepare you the way of the Lord."

Men's hearts were like a wilderness, in which there is no way, but as loyal subjects prepare roads for the approach of beloved princes, so men were to welcome the Lord, with their hearts made right and ready to receive Him.

O Lord, I would welcome You if You would come to me. I have great need of Your royal presence, and therefore I would prepare a way for You.

Into my heart, my desires have made for You a path most short and smooth.

Come, Lord, and do not delay! Come into my wilderness nature and transform it into a garden of the Lord.