The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness:

"Prepare the way

of the Lord.

» (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready

for the Messiah's coming through repentance, for "all flesh is grass'

(Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, "Are you the one who is to come

.?" (Matt. 11:2). Jesus'

works bear witness that He is. The sick are

made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached

to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord's

hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The

"stewards of the

mysteries of God' (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ's overflowing

forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God's people with the

word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces

rejoicing among all those who believe.