1:16 turn to the Lord. John was the first—and perhaps greatest—gospel preacher. The Lord used him to lead multitudes to Christ (see note on Matthew 3:5-6, noting that “all Jerusalem and Judaea” came out to hear his message, repenting, confessing their sins, and being baptized). That his message focussed on Christ as sin-bearing Savior is evident from John 1:7,8,29, etc.