“We Have Found the Messias”
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now subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised a strong
influence in civil as well as religious matters.
The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John’s work.
There were some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the
temple, and the father’s prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the
Messiah’s herald. In the tumults and changes of thirty years, these
things had in a great measure been lost sight of. They were now called
to mind by the excitement concerning the ministry of John.
It was long since Israel had had a prophet, long since such a refor-
mation as was now in progress had been witnessed. The demand for
confession of sin seemed new and startling. Many among the leaders
would not go to hear John’s appeals and denunciations, lest they should
be led to disclose the secrets of their own lives. Yet his preaching was
a direct announcement of the Messiah. It was well known that the
seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecy, covering the Messiah’s advent,
were nearly ended; and all were eager to share in that era of national
glory which was then expected. Such was the popular enthusiasm
that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced either to sanction or to reject
John’s work. Already their power over the people was waning. It was
becoming a serious question how to maintain their position. In the
hope of arriving at some conclusion, they dispatched to the Jordan a
deputation of priests and Levites to confer with the new teacher.
A multitude were gathered, listening to his words, when the del-
egates approached. With an air of authority designed to impress the
people and to command the deference of the prophet the haughty
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rabbis came. With a movement of respect, almost of fear, the crowd
opened to let them pass. The great men, in their rich robes, in the pride
of rank and power, stood before the prophet of the wilderness.
“Who art thou?” they demanded.
Knowing what was in their thoughts, John answered, “I am not the
Christ.”
“What then? Art thou Elias?”
“I am not.”
“Art thou that prophet?”
“No.”
“Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us.
What sayest thou of thyself?”