John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah.

Why would John the Baptist chose the word wilderness?

Some conjectured that John was the expected Christ; others that he was Elijah who was first to come (Mal_4:5); others that he was "that prophet," the one predicted by Moses (Deu_18:15); but he declared that he was none of these. When they insisted that he should declare who he was, he quoted Isaiah, and said he was The voice of one crying in the wilderness. See Mat_3:3. His work was preparation for the Lord

Matthew Henry's Commentary

John the Baptist's testimony to Christ.

As to the order of time and entrance on his work, Christ came after John, but in every other way he was before him. The expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before he appeared on earth as man. All fullness dwells in him, from which alone fallen sinners have, and shall receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful, and happy. Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received to even grace, to a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us.

The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it. But we cannot derive from it pardon, righteousness, or strength. It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, but it cannot supply the place of that doctrine. As no mercy comes from God to sinners but through Jesus Christ, no man can come to the Father but by him; no man can know God, except as he is made known in the only begotten and beloved Son. (Jn 1:19-28)

I believe that John sacrificed everything, well, he had nothing to begin with , to prepare the way for Jesus of Nazareth. He did not need anything else, but the Holy Spirit guiding him to prepare people of the coming of the Messiah. He did not need anything else.

MuchLoved
J

The wilderness around the Jordan River is where John the Baptist lived and ministered. "He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism for the repentance of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:'A voice of one calling in the desert - Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" (Lk 3: 3-4)

SLE