Archie England says: All four Gospels record John the Baptist using Isaiah 40:3 (“Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God”) to evoke a response from his Jewish audience. For John, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ (= Messiah). Is that what Isaiah the prophet expected? Let’s investigate.
Isaiah prophesied numerous messianic prophecies concerning the Christ. For example, he anticipated the messiah’s region of birth (9:1-2), his Davidic lineage (11:1f), his miraculous birth (7:14), his anointing by the Spirit (61), his sovereign character (9:6,7), his servant-like mission (42-53), and his powerful ability to save or destroy (59-63). Isaiah clearly anticipated a future Messiah, both as a suffering servant and the ruling sovereign. What’s more, John the Baptist viewed Isaiah’s prophesies as relevant for his mission, as well.
Consequently, John used Isaiah 40 because it directly applied to his task, preparing the way for the Christ.
So, just how well did John the Baptist’s employment of Isaiah 40 fit Isaiah’s messianic expectation? By the time that Isaiah uttered his comfort speech (Isaiah 40), the association of a highway with the future hope of salvation was already set. Three previous chapters (11; 19; 35) had addressed the topic. Isaiah 11, which is notable for its treatment of the Messiah’s relationship to the house of David and the banner being lifted among the nations, closed with a cryptic reference to a highway. This highway “from Assyria” was for “the remnant of His people.” Isaiah compared it to Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt. Though he concluded the discussion (Isaiah 5-11) with words of comfort and salvation (Isaiah 12), Isaiah left the relationship of the highway and salvation unclear.
After introducing the “day of the Lord” and judgment of the nations, Isaiah once again addressed the highway concept (Isaiah 19:19-25). A highway will be built from Egypt to Assyria. People from these two nations will travel on it to worship the Lord; Israel will join them. This “blessing” is no accident! Isaiah prophesied this inclusion of the nations with Israel as the purpose of God – He will reveal Himself; He will draw those nations; and He will save them.
Such promises, however, will not stop the wrath of God from consuming those who oppose Him. This, Isaiah warned the nations – and Israel. Nonetheless, hope yet existed – there would be a highway for God’s people (Isa 35). Isaiah revealed such a highway as his messianic expectation. The dry barren land, blessed with water abundant, would sprout a carpet of vegetation. Those too weary, maimed, or fearful would be healed – God will save them. During this miraculous transformation, a “highway” appears. Only the redeemed, the ransomed of the Lord, can and will walk there. This highway, designated as ‘the way of holiness,’ will be the path of redemption, joy, and gladness. It is the way of salvation – for all who walk there.
What Isaiah uttered as prophetic hope, John the Baptist announced as present reality: the Messiah had come. Are you walking the right path? Only his leads to eternal life!
Archie England Ph.D., is a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, and director of the Baptist College Partnership, at NOBTS.