John 1:22–23

John being further posed concerning his person and calling, declareth that he had authority and commission to be Christs forerunner, and to prepare his way; as was fore-prophesied by Isaiah. Whence learn, 1. The reason which these Commissioners give for their so earnest questioning of him, may teach every man to be faithful in what is committed to his trust, especially in matters of publick concernment, relating to the Church of God; for, say they, Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thy self? 2. As faithful Ministers ought not to encroach upon their Masters honour; so they ought not to passe from that authority that is due to them, but assert it as need requireth; for, so doth John here, declare what his Commission and place was. 3. Every one who undertakes the work of the Ministry, ought to be clear of his calling, and have a warrant for it, either ordinary, or extraordinary, according as the calling he claimes to, is; As being that whereon a Ministers courage, comfort and successe doth much depend; Therefore, John sheweth his warrant for his extraordinary calling out of the Prophet.—As said the Prophet Isaiah, to wit, chap. 40.3. For whatever use these words had to comfort the captives in Babylon with the hope of a speedy return, and of Heralds to publish it, and Ushers to prepare their way, and of removing of all impediments; Yet in the substance, it pointed at the manifestation of Christ, and his forerunner, as this text maketh clear. 4. Christs coming into the world was stately, and Kingly, however in appearance it seemed base; And wherever he is received, he will be received as a King. Therefore came he with an Usher and forerunner, crying to prepare his way when he manifested himself; which is the prerogative of Kings, whereas private persons will come in with lesse noise, and at narrower passages. I am, saith he, the voice of one crying, make streight, &c. 5. Men have hears naturally unprepared for Christ to come into, which must be cured before he come; They are naturally averse from the purity of true Religion; full of mountains of vanity, pride and ambition; valleys of dejection, discouragement, unbelief, and hollow-hearted hypocrisie; crookednesse and deceitfulnesse in their hearts and wayes, whereby men deceive themselves and others, and hide the need of Christ from themselves; roughnesse of their passions, humours and lusts, ready to reject all warnings and offers: And all these make mens hearts an unstreight way for Christs Chariot to march in; Therefore, cried John, make streight the way of the Lord, under this including the making low of mountains, the exalting of valleys, &c. of which Luke 3.5. from Isaiah 40.4. and turning the heart of the children to the fathers, &c. of which Luke 1.16, 17. from Mal. 4.5, 6. 6. As all men in all places are naturally unfit for receiving of Christ, so ordinarily the offer of him is worse entertained in places of eminency then in more obscure corners; Therefore, is this proclamation made, not in Jerusalem, but in the Wildernesse; (or hill-countrey of Judea, where the inhabitants and Cities were fewer, Josh. 15.61.) a place where he would more readily be received then in Jerusalem. 7. Albeit that. Christ commands us to prepare his way, that he may shew us our duty, and make use of exhortations, as a meane whereby he works upon his own; Yet this work of preparation is not in our power, but must be his work, whole reward is with him, and his work before him. And unto such as he convinceth of their own inability, he will first come with a work of conversion unto faith and repentance, that this may make way for his coming with consolation and sensible manifestation; Therefore, is this command sweetned with a promise, Isa. 40.3, 4, &c. Luke 3.4, 5.