JOHN
THE BAPTIST; PHARISAISM

The “Jews of Jerusalem,” who supposedly knew all the prophetic Scriptures, could not find a card for John the Baptist. It was not that the Scriptures had not foretold his coming. The Jews did not recognize him because they had put his card in the wrong file.…

John did not beat around the bush with these teachers. “I have been clearly foretold in your Scriptures,” he said in effect. “Isaiah spoke of me, and you have overlooked his word. I do not fit into your plans because you want things your way. You want a dramatic prophet, a fiery Elijah. Of course you want the Christ, the King of Israel, to come. But on your terms. You have made no place in your expectations for someone who will disturb you morally. You want God to conform His intentions to your religious pattern, your religious tradition.”

Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7–19; John 1:20–23

Faith Beyond Reason, 118.