In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is that "wilderness" doesn't mean a barren wasteland, but rather a sparsely populated, undeveloped region. John’s choice of this setting was a deliberate part of his message, signaling a stark contrast to the religious and political centers of power, and calling people to a radical new beginning.
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, following the narrative of his childhood and return to Nazareth. It introduces John the Baptist, who emerges from the wilderness to proclaim a message of repentance, signaling a significant shift in God's activity and preparing the way for the Messiah. John's bold public appearance and message, focused on the wilderness setting, serve as a stark contrast to the religious and political climate of Judea.
Why does Matthew start this new section with such a vague time marker? What does it signal for the story unfolding?
The phrase "In those days" acts like a bridge, connecting the quiet years of Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth to the momentous events about to unfold. It’s not a precise date, but a signal that a new, significant era is beginning. The commentators note that this phrase points back to the previous events Matthew mentioned – Jesus’ return to Nazareth. It covers a span of about thirty years, a period largely silent in the Gospels, yet crucial for preparation. Matthew, like Mark, often begins his narrative of Jesus' public ministry with John the Baptist. This highlights John’s essential role as the one who announces the imminent arrival of the Messiah. The 'days' are not just any days, but days pregnant with divine purpose, leading up to the pivotal moment of salvation history.
Why the wilderness? Was it just a desolate place, or was there a deeper meaning to John's chosen location?
John didn't choose the wilderness for its isolation; he chose it because it was a place apart, a space for unhindered proclamation. Far from the bustling, and perhaps corrupt, city centers, the "wilderness of Judea" was a sparsely populated, rugged terrain. This setting wasn't about barrenness but about freedom – freedom for shepherds and their flocks, and more importantly, for John to cry out God's message without distraction. It was a stark contrast to the religious and political centers, emphasizing that God's powerful work often begins in unassuming places. His rough attire and simple diet further amplified this message: God's intervention was not about worldly comfort or status, but about spiritual reality and urgent repentance. The wilderness was a symbol, a backdrop that underscored the raw, unfiltered nature of his divine commission.
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John is called 'the Baptist,' but Matthew emphasizes he was 'preaching.' What's the core of this herald's job?
The word for 'preaching' (κηρύσσων - kēryssōn) is more than just speaking; it implies a public proclamation, like a royal herald announcing important news. John wasn't sharing his own opinions or theological musings; he was a messenger, commissioned by God to declare a divine decree. The commentators stress that his message wasn't about himself – he consistently pointed to the One who was to come after him. His title, 'the Baptist,' describes a significant part of his ministry, but 'preaching' reveals its essence: to announce, to proclaim, to call people to attention for a monumental event. He was the voice crying in the wilderness, making the path straight for the King, not seeking recognition for himself but directing all attention to the Messiah.
Understand the original words
Iōannēs · Greek Noun
The son of Zechariah and Elizabeth who acted as the forerunner of Jesus Christ, calling the people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecy regarding the messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
John's emergence in the 'wilderness' wasn't just about geography; it was a stark contrast to the political and religious landscape of Judea under Roman rule, signaling a call for a different kind of kingdom.
c. 4 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, marking the beginning of the narrative that will lead to his public ministry.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 28
Jesus' Youth and John's Early Life
Jesus grows up in Nazareth, while John likely spends his formative years in the Judean wilderness, preparing for his prophetic calling. This period spans roughly 30 years.
c. AD 28
Pontius Pilate becomes Prefect of Judea
Pontius Pilate begins his rule over Judea, a period marked by increasing Roman control and tension with the Jewish population.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
John the Baptist begins his ministry
John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness of Judea, publicly proclaiming a message of repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah.
c. AD 29
Jesus is Baptized by John
Jesus comes to the Jordan River and is baptized by John, an event that signifies the formal start of Jesus' public ministry.
c. AD 30-31
John the Baptist Imprisoned and Executed
John is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage and is later executed, following the instigation of Herodias.
This Old Testament prophecy directly foretells the coming of a 'voice crying in the wilderness' to prepare the way for the Lord, which John the Baptist fulfills.
Luke 1:5-17This passage introduces John the Baptist's miraculous birth and divine calling, highlighting the spiritual preparation that preceded his public ministry.
Malachi 4:5-6This prophecy speaks of Elijah returning before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, a role that John the Baptist embodies in spirit and purpose, preparing the people for God's coming.
John 1:19-23This passage from John's Gospel shows religious leaders questioning John's identity, revealing his role as a forerunner who explicitly denies being the Messiah or Elijah, pointing instead to Christ.
vincentMatthew 3:1: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
In those daysThe phrase is indefinite, but always points back to a preceding date; in this case to the date of the settlement of the family at Nazareth. "In those days," i.e., some time during the nearly thirty years since that settlement.JohnHebrew, meaning God has dealt graciously. Compare the German Gotthold.Came (παραγίνεται)Rev., cometh. The verb is used in what is called the historical present, giv…
bensonMatthew 3:1: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
Matthew 3:1 . In those days — That is, in those years. For, as these events happened near thirty years after those recorded in the former chapter, this phrase is to be taken, in a very extensive sense, for that age of which he had spoken in the preceding words. And it is here used with the greater propriety, because John did indeed appear in his public character while Christ continued to dwell at Nazareth…
What's easily missed here is that "wilderness" doesn't mean a barren wasteland, but rather a sparsely populated, undeveloped region. John’s choice of this setting was a deliberate part of his message, signaling a stark contrast to the religious and political centers of power, and calling people to a radical new beginning.
This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, following the narrative of his childhood and return to Nazareth. It introduces John the Baptist, who emerges from the wilderness to proclaim a message of repentance, signaling a significant shift in God's activity and preparing the way for the Messiah. John's bold public appearance and message, focused on the wilderness setting, serve as a stark contrast to the religious and political climate of Judea.
This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, following the narrative of his childhood and return to Nazareth. It introduces John the Baptist, who emerges from the wilderness to proclaim a message of repentance, signaling a significant shift in God's activity and preparing the way for the Messiah. John's bold public appearance and message, focused on the wilderness setting, serve as a stark contrast to the religious and political climate of Judea.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea," — What's easily missed here is that "wilderness" doesn't mean a barren wasteland, but rather a sparsely populated, undeveloped region. John’s choice of this setting was a deliberate part of his message…
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Last reviewed October 2026