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Observe here, 1. The preacher sent by God, John the Baptist, a pattern of mortification, and a preacher of repentance.
Observe, 2. The place he is sent to preach in, The wilderness of Judea; not in populous Jerusalem, but in a barren wilderness, where the inhabitants are few, and probably very ignorant and rude.
Learn hence, That it is God's prerogative to send forth the preachers of the gospel, when and whither, and to what people he pleases; and none must assume the office before they be sent.
Observe, 3. The doctrine that he preaches; namely, the doctrine of repentance, Repent ye. This was to prepare the people for the Messiah, and the grace of the gospel.
Learn thence, that the preaching of the doctrine of repentance is absolutely necessary, in order to the preparing of the hearts of sinners for the receivimg Christ Jesus and his holy doctrine.
Observe, 4. The motives which St. John uses to enforce the exhortation to repentance. The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
That is, now is the so-much-expected time of the appearing of the Messiah come; the Old Testament dispensation is now to be abolished, and the mercy and grace of the gospel is now to be revealed; therefore repent, and amend your lives.
Note thence, That the free and full tenders of grace and mercy in the gospel, are the most alluring arguments to move a sinner to repent, and to convert to God.