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“We Have Found the Messiah”
This chapter is based on John 1:19-51.
John the Baptist was now preaching at Bethabara, beyond Jor-
dan, where people daily crowded the banks of the Jordan. John’s
preaching had taken a deep hold on the nation. He had not recog-
nized the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their approval, yet
interest in his work seemed to increase continually.
The Sanhedrin was made up of priests, rulers, and teachers. In
the days of Jewish independence, the Sanhedrin was the supreme
court of the nation. Though now reduced in power by the Roman
governors, it still exercised a strong influence in civil as well as
religious matters. The Sanhedrin could no longer afford to put off an
investigation of John’s work. Some recalled the angel’s revelation to
Zacharias in the temple that had pointed to his child as the Messiah’s
herald. The excitement concerning John’s ministry now reminded
the leaders of these things.
It had been a long time since Israel had had a prophet. John’s
demand for confession of sin seemed new and startling. Many
leaders would not go to hear John for fear that they might be led
to reveal the secrets of their 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 arrival, were nearly ended, and all were
eager to share in the national glory they expected would follow. The
popular enthusiasm was so great that the Sanhedrin would soon be
forced either to approve or to reject John’s work. Already it was
becoming a serious question how to maintain their power over the
people. In hope of coming to some conclusion, they sent a delegation
of priests and Levites to the Jordan to confer with the new teacher.
A large crowd was listening to John’s words when the delegates
approached. The haughty rabbis came with an air of authority de-
signed to impress the people and gain the esteem of the prophet.
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