Luke 3:2b-6, NLT
The word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness of Judaea (v.2b). He went throughout the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (v.3). When John was just an infant, Zacharias prophesied: “for you will go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways (1:76b), To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the forgiveness of their sins (1:77).”
Luke 3:2b-6 prophesied of the promise of a voice crying out in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. His message was that repentance had to come before their sins would be forgiven. The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, involves a change of mind, turning from sin to God. The baptism of repentance John preached called for a spiritual change of mind for the forgiveness of sins with the purpose of living a life of faith – a life committed to God. And water baptism would symbolize outwardly that you have changed inwardly, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Luke spoke figuratively of making preparation for the coming of Christ in verses 4-6. “’Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him (v.4)! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth (v.5). And then all people will see the salvation sent from God (v.6).’”
Give God glory for His salvation!