Jesus as God
John Prepares the Way of the Lord for Jesus
Luke's infancy narrative identifies John's preparatory ministry with Old Testament expectations of a messenger preceding the LORD.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Raphael — Biblical Works
Caravaggio — Biblical Works
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
John is said to go before the Lord God and to prepare the Lord's ways; in Luke's narrative John actually prepares for Jesus.
Old Testament Background
John's role evokes Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:5-6, and Isaiah 40:3, where a messenger prepares for God's coming.
Exposition
Luke's narrative makes Jesus the one immediately preceded by John. This creates a striking correspondence between the promised coming of the Lord and the arrival of Jesus.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The argument rests on Luke's narrative use of YHWH texts, not on a bare title. It is strong evidence that Jesus is included in the divine visitation anticipated by Scripture.