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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
A herald is described as someone who foretells what or who is to come, a dignitary announcing significant news; sometimes an ambassador carrying official messages and/or proclamations. Such a person was John bar Zechariah, later identified by his “occupation”, calling sinners to repentance and baptizing them as an outward sign of their cleansing from sin in the Jordan River. The gospels equating John with, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight the paths for him.’” Luke 3:4 – quoting Is. 40:3-5
John most closely resembled one of the country prophets of Israel’s past, men who came to town to deliver the message God gave them and who then returned to more domestic chores such as shepherding. ( Amos 1:1) His clothes were made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey and spoke loud and strong against the sin of his people.
Preaching in the Judean desert, his ministry paralleled that of Jesus at many points. John’s principle message being, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 3:2 (See then Matthew 4:17) He castigated the Pharisees and Sadducees for holding themselves aloof from the common people; assuring their salvation, in part, by letting everyone else fend for themselves. Calling them a “brood of vipers”, he challenged them to, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7,8 (See Jesus’ similar reproach of these men in Matthew 23:13-33 & Matthew 7:15-21)
When the “commoners” asked, “What should we do then?” (Similar to the question asked of Peter in Acts 2:37) John replied practically with, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Tax collectors, doubly hated because of their association with the Roman oppressors asked the same question and were told, “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” Significant because they were paid to act as Rome’s go-between in their official capacity but allowed to collect above and beyond the tax to pad their personal savings. Soldiers came seeking advice and were told, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10-14Which was expanded upon in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, found in Mat. 5,6 & 7. (See in particular Matthew 5:38-42)
Jesus’ introduction to John occurred when his mother – Mary – went to visit Elizabeth, believed to be a member of the family – possibly an aunt, immediately after discovering she was pregnant by God’s will and action. Jesus’ “cousin” leaping in his mother’s womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting. ( Luke 1:39-45
As an adult, John spoke so persuasively that, “…the people were waiting expectantly and were all considering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ,” John replying, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:15,16 On another occasion, as John and Jesus’ paths crossed, John explicitly identified Jesus as the one they sought, “…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 Reiterating how, on the day Jesus insisted John baptize him “to fulfill all righteousness,” “At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. 1 John 1:32-34 (See also Matthew 3:15-17)
In fact, some of Jesus’ disciples started out as part of John’s retinue. Upon hearing Jesus identified as the Lamb of God, two of them – one positively identified as Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother – followed Jesus to his place of rest and then immediately went to find his brother so he could introduce him to Jesus. John 1:35-42 (A trait we should mirror in our own lives today.)
At a time of great stress and uncertainty, John’s faith wavered and he sent someone to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus answering, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Matthew 11:4,5 (See also Luke 4:18-21) I believe these words strengthened John’s resolve and faith as he awaited his fate – beheading – at the hands of Herod the Tetrarch. Jesus and John both running afoul of the local authorities and then being executed by “Rome.”
Upon hearing of John’s fate, Jesus asked the crowd gathered about him, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind… A man dressed in fine clothes… What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’” Matthew 11:7-10 – quoting Malachi 3:1
That ministry of heraldry is, at least in part, imparted to all Christians. Paul writing, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the (message and) ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (See also John 20:21)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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