This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus here isn't just quoting a prophecy; He's highlighting how the original text in Malachi referred to God's own coming, but He boldly re-applies it to Himself. This shows Jesus saw Himself not just as the one being announced, but as the divine presence the prophecy originally pointed towards. This subtle shift underscores His unique claim to be God's very embodiment.
This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following John the Baptist's messengers leaving, Jesus turns to the crowd, questioning why they went to see him. He then boldly declares John not just a prophet, but the very messenger prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah, quoting Scripture from Malachi.
Did you know the Bible describes John the Baptist as a messenger sent by God Himself, not just a regular preacher?
Jesus, speaking about John the Baptist, quotes from the Old Testament prophet Malachi. This isn't just a casual reference; it's Jesus confirming John's divinely appointed role.
A Herald's Purpose
Malachi's prophecy speaks of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. Jesus applies this directly to John. This means John wasn't just some guy wandering in the wilderness; he had a specific, God-given mission.
Preparing the Way
His job was to get people ready for Jesus. This involved calling them to repentance and pointing them toward the coming Messiah. It was a crucial first step in God's plan to bring salvation.
Jesus declared John the Baptist was more than a prophet. What made him so unique?
Jesus makes a remarkable statement: John the Baptist is greater than all the prophets who came before him. This isn't to diminish the prophets, but to highlight John's unique place in salvation history.
A Unique Position
While prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah foretold the Messiah from a distance, John saw the Messiah and pointed directly to Him. He was the immediate forerunner, standing on the threshold of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Dawn of a New Era
Ask a follow-up
The prophets spoke of a future fulfillment, but John heralded the present arrival of God's kingdom. The Law and the Prophets pointed the way, but John stood at the very beginning of the new covenant, heralding its King.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
One sent by God with a specific mission to act as a herald or forerunner. This term implies authorized representation, carrying the authority of the one who sent them.
c. 500-450 BC
Malachi's Prophecy
The prophet Malachi delivers his message, including the prophecy about a messenger preparing the way for the Lord, which would later be applied to John the Baptist.
c. 20-15 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist, the prophesied messenger, is born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of prophecies.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching repentance and baptizing, thus preparing the way for Jesus.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
Jesus is baptized by John and then led into the wilderness to be tempted, marking the formal commencement of His public ministry.
c. AD 28-29
Jesus' Ministry and John's Imprisonment
Jesus' ministry gains momentum, while John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Doubts and Jesus' Affirmation
While imprisoned, John sends disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to His works and directly quoting the prophecy from Malachi, identifying John as the messenger.
This is the primary Old Testament passage directly quoted in Matthew 11:10, foretelling the coming of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. It sets the stage by showing the divine plan for a forerunner.
Isaiah 40:3This prophecy speaks of a 'voice crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.' While not directly quoted, it shares the same theme of preparing the way, powerfully echoing John the Baptist's mission.
Luke 1:76In the prophecy concerning John the Baptist, Zechariah declares that John 'will go before the Lord with His spirit and power, to make ready for Him a people prepared.' This parallels Matthew's understanding of John's role as preparing the way for Jesus.
Matthew 3:3This passage describes John the Baptist fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, explicitly stating that John was preparing the way for Jesus. It shows the direct application of the prophecy to John's ministry.
barnesMatthew 11:10: "For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."
For this is he ... - The passage of Scripture here quoted is found in Malachi 3:1 . The substance of it is contained also in Isaiah 40:3 . Prepare thy way - That is, to prepare "the people;" to make them ready, by proper instructions, to receive the Messiah.
calvinMatthew 11:7-15: "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"
- And as they were departing, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed, which is shaken by the wind? 8. But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? [8] Lo, they who wear soft clothing are in the houses of kings. 9. But what went you out to see?…
Jesus here isn't just quoting a prophecy; He's highlighting how the original text in Malachi referred to God's own coming, but He boldly re-applies it to Himself. This shows Jesus saw Himself not just as the one being announced, but as the divine presence the prophecy originally pointed towards. This subtle shift underscores His unique claim to be God's very embodiment.
Following John the Baptist's messengers leaving, Jesus turns to the crowd, questioning why they went to see him. He then boldly declares John not just a prophet, but the very messenger prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah, quoting Scripture from Malachi.
Following John the Baptist's messengers leaving, Jesus turns to the crowd, questioning why they went to see him. He then boldly declares John not just a prophet, but the very messenger prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah, quoting Scripture from Malachi.
"This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’" — Jesus here isn't just quoting a prophecy; He's highlighting how the original text in Malachi referred to God's own coming, but He boldly re-applies it to Himself. This shows Jesus saw Himself not jus…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026