The answer is: Isaiah

Matt 3:3 - From Isaiah 40:3

Isaiah, known for his powerful prophecies and poetic imagery, introduced the figure of John the Baptist centuries before his birth. The phrase "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" is a vivid descriptor that not only signals John’s rugged lifestyle but also symbolizes a call to repentance and preparation for a transformative moment in history.

Fun fact: Isaiah's words do more than predict John’s arrival; they highlight a key theme in biblical prophecy—the return to a more authentic faith amidst a landscape of moral decay. John emerges as a bridge between the Old Testament promises and the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Additionally, consider this nuance—wilderness in the Bible often signifies a place of divine encounter and revelation. Just as the Israelites wandered in the desert and received God's guidance, John’s presence in the wilderness echoes that deep yearning for renewal. It's about reconnecting with one’s spirit amidst the chaos of life.

John’s method of preaching was unique, with his call to “prepare the way” resonating deeply even today. Interestingly, he wore clothing made of camel’s hair and survived on locusts and wild honey, emphasizing his departure from societal norms—symbolic of the stark contrasts found throughout Scripture.

Throughout the texts, wilderness is a space marked by testing, revelation, and preparation—a fitting setting for John’s extraordinary role as a forerunner to Christ, not just as a figure of prophecy, but as a precursor to a spiritual awakening and renewal across generations.