John the Baptist

People at the time of Jesus desired the return of the promised Messiah. He was to free them of their captivity. Those in the first century watched John the Baptist preach challenging sermons to encourage them to follow God. He was confident and bold, even criticizing the Jewish King. He was fearless in his assigned task. He convinced the people to refocus their desire, intention and motivation. An indication of this rekindling was marked by baptism. Many of the Jewish people were confused by these actions. Since John taught with authority, could he be the Messiah or His predecessor? At a time when a wonton people were periodically presented with preachers claiming to be the Messiah, John seemed like a real possibility. University of Massachusetts Boston professor R. A. Horsely, found there were over 30 people around the time of Jesus who claimed to be the Messiah. Acts 5 confirms one instance in a man named Theudas. When Jesus asked His disciples who the people thought He might be, their response was, “And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” – LK. 9:18-20 (ESV). For what reason would people think John might be Elijah? Elijah was an important prophet in Israel’s history. For His importance related to Jesus, one needs to consult contemporaries Isaiah and Malachi. Isaiah predicted there would be a forerunner of the Messiah, - “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare[a] is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isa. 40:1-5 (ESV). Malachi would add, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” – Mal. 4:5-6 (ESV). Writings of these prophets were likely in the minds of the Jewish people. While John the Baptist accurately declared he was not a returned Elijah, however he did not fully realize his role in the works of God. Jesus clarified the symbolic place of John the Baptist when He said, “What then did you go out to see? A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” – Matt. 11:9-14 (ESV). Mark would also say, “And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him,” – Mk. 9:11-13 (ESV). This statement became clear later, “But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist,” - Matt. 17:12-13 (ESV). Even in this capacity, John had to be reminded who Jesus really was (cf. Matt. 11:1-7; Lk. 7:19-24). John found people who were interested in the coming Messiah and baptized them to confirm their desire, intention and motivation to follow God better. People of all ages who believe Jehovah God exists and have desire, intention, and motivation will likely accept Jesus’ gift. At that point they will be perpetually cleansed and gain the indwelling Holy Spirit. If the person will allow, the Holy Spirit will lead them along a unique individual spiritual journey culminating at an eternal home with Jesus.