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The Desire of Ages
Jesus said, “He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than
he.”
The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispen-
sations. As God’s representative he stood forth to show the relation
of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation. He was
the lesser light, which was to be followed by a greater. The mind
of John was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that he might shed light
upon his people; but no other light ever has shone or ever will shine
so clearly upon fallen man as that which emanated from the teaching
and example of Jesus. Christ and His mission had been but dimly
understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices. Even John had not
fully comprehended the future, immortal life through the Saviour.
Aside from the joy that John found in his mission, his life had
been one of sorrow. His voice had been seldom heard except in the
wilderness. His was a lonely lot. And he was not permitted to see
the result of his own labors. It was not his privilege to be with Christ
and witness the manifestation of divine power attending the greater
light. It was not for him to see the blind restored to sight, the sick
healed, and the dead raised to life. He did not behold the light that
shone through every word of Christ, shedding glory upon the promises
of prophecy. The least disciple who saw Christ’s mighty works and
heard His words was in this sense more highly privileged than John
the Baptist, and therefore is said to have been greater than he.
Through the vast throngs that had listened to John’s preaching, his
fame had spread throughout the land. A deep interest was felt as to
the result of his imprisonment. Yet his blameless life, and the strong
public sentiment in his favor, led to the belief that no violent measures
would be taken against him.
Herod believed John to be a prophet of God, and he fully intended
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to set him at liberty. But he delayed his purpose from fear of Herodias.
Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod’s
consent to the death of John, and she resolved to accomplish her
purpose by stratagem. On the king’s birthday an entertainment was
to be given to the officers of state and the nobles of the court. There
would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod would thus be thrown off
his guard, and might then be influenced according to her will.
When the great day arrived, and the king with his lords was feasting
and drinking, Herodias sent her daughter into the banqueting hall to