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Chapter 14—We Have Found the Messiah
This chapter is based on
John 1:19-51
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John the Baptist was now preaching at Bethabara, beyond Jordan,
where people daily thronged the banks of the Jordan. The preaching
of John had taken a deep hold on the nation. He had not recognized
the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction, yet interest
in his work seemed to continually increase.
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 subordinated by the Roman gover-
nors, 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. Some recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the
temple that had pointed to his child as the Messiah’s herald. These
things were now called to mind by the excitement concerning the
ministry of John.
It was long since Israel had had a prophet. The demand for
confession of sin seemed new and startling. Many leaders would not
go to hear John lest they be led to disclose 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 Messiah’s advent, were nearly ended; and all were eager to
share in the national glory then expected. Such was the popular en-
thusiasm that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced either to sanction
or to reject John’s work. Already it was becoming a serious question
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how to maintain their power over the people. In 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 listening to his words when the delegates
approached. With an air of authority designed to impress the people
and command the deference of the prophet, the haughty rabbis came.
With respect, almost fear, the crowd opened to let them pass. The
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