Isaiah 40:3

What Does Isaiah 40:3 Mean?

Isaiah was telling God’s people that one day, someone would come ahead of the Messiah – the promised King – to prepare hearts for His arrival. That someone turned out to be John the Baptist, who called people to turn away from their sins and get ready for Jesus. The “wilderness” and “highway” are pictures of our hearts: sometimes our inner life gets messy and overgrown, and we need to clear the path so God can come in fully.

Hero Challenge

Is there anything in your heart that might be blocking the road for God – like a bad habit, a grudge, or something you have been putting off? This week, spend five minutes quietly asking God to show you one thing and then ask Him to help you clear it. Preparing your heart is one of the most heroic things you can do.

Did You Know?

In ancient times, when a king was going to travel through a region, workers would actually go ahead and fill in potholes, cut down overgrown branches, and flatten the road. Isaiah used this picture that everyone would recognize to describe how God’s people needed to prepare their hearts – because the greatest King of all was coming.

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

If a very special guest was coming to your home, how would you help get it ready? How can you get your heart ready for Jesus?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

John the Baptist spent his life preparing people to meet Jesus. How can you help someone else get ready to know Jesus too?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

Isaiah wrote this prophecy about 700 years before John the Baptist fulfilled it. What does that tell you about how certain and trustworthy God’s plans are – even when they take time?