John the Baptist is considered the last Old Testament prophet because he’s the last messenger from God before Jesus begins His ministry. There are several crucial details to notice in these verses: the wilderness setting, the Old Testament quotes, the description of Jesus, and the essence of John’s message, which is, “Get ready for the Son of God by repenting and being baptized!” John was sent by God to prepare God’s people to meet their Deliverer. The Messiah is on the way; God’s people must prepare their hearts for a faithful response, and that preparation looks like repentance, and true personal repentance is publicly affirmed in baptism.
