As we come into the Advent season, I want to begin writing about the beginning of the Jesus story by speaking of the John the Baptist story. I recently watched Martin Scorsese’s portrayal of John in his series, “The Saints.” I appreciate the nature of the series, and the time constraints, but Scorsese perpetuates an inadequate caricature of John. In the show, John is seen as this lone kook yelling at people while waist-deep in the Jordan. The historical John, unlike popular depictions, was significant in his own right, and a vital element of Jesus’ story.

He is mentioned positively by the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus.(1) He had a large following and his own disciples, at least one of whom became a disciple of Jesus (John 1:35-42). John was so popular and well-known that Mark says, “…the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Mark 1:5 NIV).

Although John denied that he was Elijah, for Jesus and the Gospels John fulfills the role of Elijah, prophesied in Malachi 4:5. Here are a few of the parallels between John and Elijah:

Both John and Elijah spend time in the wilderness. John ministers there, while Elijah flees there.
Clearly John’s clothing connects him to Elijah:
Mark 1:6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist... (NIV).
2 Kings 1:7 The king asked them, “What kind of man was it who came to meet you and told you this?” 8 They replied, “He had a garment of hair and had a leather belt around his waist.” The king said, “That was Elijah the Tishbite” (NIV).
John’s ministry is connected to Herod Antipas and Herodias, his wife/sister-in-law. This bears stark similarities to Elijah with Ahab and Jezebel.
Most importantly, Jesus saw John in this role:
“13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come” (Matthew 11:13-14 NIV).

The identity John, himself, embraced was that of the voice calling in the wilderness, found in Isaiah 40.

3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness, prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.” (NIV)

He knew that the One would come, and he knew that his role was to prepare Israel for His coming. Luke connects the two infancy narratives, with the pre-born John recognizing the pre-born Jesus. It’s unclear what the adult John knew of Jesus, before he baptized Him.

This is the Gospel of John’s profound view:

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (NIV).

The fame, teaching (Luke 3:7-20) and lasting influence of John should not be minimized. Decades after his death, and as far away as Ephesus, we find Apollos and a group who experienced the baptism of John (Acts 18:24 - 19:7).

Let me close with Jesus’ assessment of John:

24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’[Malachi 3:1]

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:24-28 NIV).

John was unusual, but hardly a lone kook in the wilderness!

Tim Kelley

(1) Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18.5.2