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 The Story The Baptist follows the life of John the Baptist from the announcement of his and Jesus' upcoming births to the time of John's death. The Announcement The angel Gabriel announced John's birth to his elderly father, Zachary. Zachary and his wife, Elizabeth, had gone their whole married lives without having any children. Elderly and considered barren at the time of Gabriel's visit, Zachary cannot force himself to believe Gabriel's proclamation. Doubting God, Zachary loses his voice and does not reclaim it until he again finds faith. Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary and tells her that, like her cousin, Elizabeth, she is also with child. Mary has no trouble believing, but is worried at the reaction of her fiancé, Joseph. Gabriel promises to pay Joseph a visit and explain the situation, and Mary falls into her role as expectant mother. Zachary Finds His Voice At John's circumcision, Zachary "sees the light" and blurts out that his son shall be named John -- the name God chose for the baby. His faith restored, so is his voice. Time Passes Little is known of the life of John until he emerges from the wilderness and began preaching and conducting baptisms on the banks of the Jordan River. But he was a "wild man," who dressed in camel skins and subsided on a meager diet that included locusts. He shunned physical relationships with women, choosing instead to live a pious life in praise of God.  His Teachings John preached repentance in preparation for the coming Lord. He was critical of the self-righteous and hypocritical, his harsh tongue extending to the Sadducees and Pharisees and all the way up to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Peraea and Galilee. His criticisms of Herod and authority would ultimately prove to be his undoing. The Baptism of Jesus Jesus came to visit John and asked to be baptized. John felt unworthy and insisted that Jesus should instead baptize John. Jesus persevered and John relented. When Jesus was baptized, the skies opened up and a dove descended from Heaven and rested on Jesus' shoulder and a voice called out, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This event was the moment it became clear to all assembled that Jesus was the Messiah. John's Death  Herod's wife, Herodias, was the former wife of Herod's brother, Philip, and also the niece of both brothers. In that time, it was not uncommon to wed one's niece. However, stealing away your brother's wife was considered sinful and at the very least, in extremely poor taste. John was vocal about his displeasure with Herod's arrangement. Herodias, feeling John posed a threat to her husband and the power he wielded and she enjoyed, plotted to dispose of John. Herod was disinclined to move against John because he feared him as a prophet. But Herod was weak and lusted after Herodias' daughter, Salome. At his birthday party, Herod begged Salome to dance for him, promising her anything if she would perform for him. Herodias seized the moment and convinced Salome to demand the head of John the Baptist. Having made his declarations and promises in public, amongst guests, Herod had to oblige the request. John was summarily beheaded. The Importance of John John was important on many levels. He fulfilled a prophecy of preparing the way for the Lord. And he lived a model life of chastity. But he is a complex figure in Christianity. In fact, many at the time (including his own followers) felt that John, not Jesus, was the Messiah. Jesus lived a fairly ordinary life in certain respects. He drank wine, he ate normal food and even attended several feasts. When pushed on the subject, John told them to go to Jesus and find out for themselves. John said Jesus “must become greater” while he must become less. Ultimately, John's followers (the disciple Andrew and his brother Peter among them) did, in fact, become Jesus' followers. But his influence superceded his grave. When Jesus's teachings and reports of miracles began to raise a stir, many in power feared that Jesus might be a reincarnated John the Baptist. John was a popular figure, and his execution was an unpopular decision. The connection between John and Jesus may very well have been a contributing factor to Jesus' own persecution by the authorities. John is considered a prophet by four religions: Christianity, Islam, Mandaeanism, and the Bahá'í Faith. |
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