Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

The prophet Isaiah wrote much about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, revealing him by, different names. His name would be called Immanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. (7:14; 9:6)

His name Jesus is not made known until the Gospel of Matthew. The angel of the Lord announced that Mary would bring forth a son, and his name was to be called Jesus.

Isaiah also wrote about another man whose name was not yet revealed. This man would be sent to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming. He would come as a voice crying out in the wilderness. (40:3)

His name was also revealed in the Gospel of Matthew. John, the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness. (3:1) It was John who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet. John was the voice sent to prepare the way for Jesus, (v.3),
John was given his name before he was born. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John” (John 1:6). He was just a man, but he was a man sent from God.

He was not Jesus, but he was sent to bear witness of Jesus. (V.8) When the priests from Jerusalem were sent to find out who he was, he Confessed, “I am not the “Christ” (v.20).

John knew that he was just a voice. When he first saw Jesus, he used his voice to testify: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (V.29).