Jesus and John

Friday, December 19, 2008 -- Week of 3 Advent; Year One

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 938)
Psalms 40 (morning) 54 (evening)
Isaiah 10:5-19
2 Peter 2:17-22
Matthew 11:2-15

John the Baptist is not one of Jesus' disciples. According to Luke's account, they are cousins. According to several accounts, Jesus received the baptism of John. There is evidence of some jealousy or conflict between the followers of the two. Since we only have the writings of the followers of Jesus, we don't know anything about how John's disciples might have characterized Jesus and his disciples. Our Gospel of John goes to great lengths to claim that John the Baptist deferred to Jesus' authority, but to some ears it sounds like John the Evangelist "protesteth too much." It may be that John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the coming Messiah; it may be that Jesus' disciples later claimed John's endorsement.

John was a dramatic figure. He revived the ancient prophetic role. Part of that revival included the prophets' tradition of speaking truth to power. Like so many of the ancient prophets, John challenged royal corruption and misuse of power. Like several of his forebears, he suffered persecution.

John became a discomfort to the tetrarch Herod Antipas. John was speaking with authority and drawing followers to himself. There was potential for rebellion and resistance. Herod allowed no rivals. He had John arrested. When John challenged the legality and morality of Herod's marriage to his brother's wife, Herod executed him.

Today's scene from Matthew's gospel has John lingering in prison. He is probably hoping for some sign that God is inspiring anointed leadership to rise up against Herod and the occupying Romans to liberate God's people as in the days of the Exodus and to restore the Davidic kingship as the scripture promised. None of that seems to be happening. Whether John had identified Jesus as the coming one or possibly hoped Jesus was, he sends word in a question. "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"

Jesus describes his ministry in terms that John recognizes. It is part of Isaiah's oracle about the restoration of Jerusalem after the exile (35:5-6). Many hopeful people had incorporated these visions into their expectations for the Messiah. "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

What Jesus describes is a very limited Messianic mission. He is bringing healing, wholeness and compassion. But he is not bringing political and economic liberation. It would be easy for someone to take offense at him. He is not fulfilling the popular expectations for the Messiah.

Note that Jesus doesn't say, "And blessed are those who follow me as Lord and Savior." He doesn't ask for that. He simply blesses those who are not offended or scandalized by his mission of healing and compassion. That's enough for Jesus' blessing.

John is not a disciple of Jesus. He doesn't have to become one either. All John need do to be blessed by Jesus is not to be offended and scandalized by Jesus' ministry of kindness. That's enough. The border between insider and outsider is made rather thin and porous by that standard. Elsewhere Jesus says, "Anyone who is not against me is for me." Jesus has given the church an example of generosity and hospitality toward those who are not part of the church, but whom we as the Church can feel free to bless.

One postscript. John's preaching was unique and singular. He baptized those who would receive his message of repentance and renewal. As far as we know, his disciples were not deputized to teach and to baptize. The authority of his movement was concentrated in his person. When Herod cut off the head, John's movement effectively died with its leader's death.

Jesus empowered others to preach, teach and heal. Wherever its origins, the act of baptism was diversely administered by Jesus' followers. The power and authority of Jesus was easily distributed. When Jesus died, his movement did not die with him.

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
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The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas