JOHN
THE BAPTIST

I cannot refrain from asking you a question here: How do you suppose the Christian church as we know it today, would be inclined to deal with John the Baptist if he came into our scene?

Our generation would probably decide that such a man ought to be downright proud of the fact that God had sent him. We would urge him to write books and make a documentary film and the seminary leaders would line up to schedule him as guest lecturer.

But in that distant generation of mankind to whom the eternal Son of God presented Himself as suffering Savior and living Lord, John the Baptist gladly stepped down—allowing Jesus the Christ to displace him completely.…

Actually, John the Baptist would never have fit into the contemporary religious scene in our day—never! He did not keep his suit pressed. He was not careful about choosing words that would not offend anyone. Something tells me that John the Baptist did not quote beautiful passages from the poets.

Some of the doctors of psychiatry in our day would have had quick advice for John the Baptist: “John, we have been observing you and the way you live and the way you talk and the way you dress. John, you really ought to get adjusted to the times and to society!”

Matthew 3:1–4; John 1:6–7; John 3:30

Christ the Eternal Son, 109.