John the Baptist was certainly a colorful character. When I read his description and try to picture him today I have a tendency to think of him as simply a crazy man. I think if I saw him in downtown Cincinnati I would walk to the other side of the street to avoid him. However, I think I have him wrong. He was a compelling personality. Unique, yes...but people flocked to him. A large percentage of those who came to hear him speak responded and were baptized. The Jews sent the religious leaders to check him out. In fact, Luke says...
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. (Luke 3:15)
John did all he could to make sure people understood that he was NOT the Messiah...but that He was coming. When Jesus came to hear John preach He asked to be baptized as well. John was hesitant but did as Jesus wished.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)
Did everyone hear this voice from heaven? I get the impression that they did. I wonder what they thought. How could you experience something like that and not be moved? I wonder if any of those same people who were there at Jesus' baptism were also there for His crucifixion? I wonder if, while they were shouting "Crucify!" they heard that voice somewhere in their minds saying, "This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
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