Family Ties

I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus.  First of all, they were cousins. That is huge, really.  Remember that Mary went to stay with Elizabeth, her cousin.  I believe that Jesus and John, these cousins that were only 6 months apart, were pals as kids.  It started when Mary first arrived at Elizabeth's and John lept within her womb.  They were bonded.  I think that they romped the country side together, wrestled (they were boys!) and shared their hearts, for God the Father had imparted weighty tasks upon each of them.  I bet that they were together in Jerusalem when they were both 12. Remember... the time that Jesus stayed behind discussing the Scriptures at the temple. I bet John "rolled his eyes" when he heard that Jesus wasn't with the group on the return trip.  Yep, Jesus, his cousin, had a seriousness and responsibility about him that was different than the other guys.  John grew up knowing that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world.

God's call on John's life led him to be that voice calling out,  "The Messiah is coming, get ready."  He was convinced of what he proclaimed.  Jesus was his cousin and John knew his true identity.

It is not surprising to read John's response when Jesus come to the river where John was baptizing those who were getting ready for the Messiah by confessing their sins.  Jesus asked John baptize him and John looked at him with a face of, "You are kidding me, right?"

Then he responded, "What are you thinking?  I can't baptize you.  First of all, these people are confessing their sins.  You don't have any sins.  You know that; I know that!  Second of all, they are preparing for the coming of the Messiah.  You are the Messiah.  You know that; I know that.  If anything, YOU should be baptizing me!"

It is interesting that just a little while later, John wrestled with his own doubts.  His outspokenness for righteousness got him in trouble and he was put in prison.  While sitting in prison, discouragement began to set in, leading to doubt.  He sent his friends to ask Jesus, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have always believed you to be? You know, it is because I've embraced this with you that I am sitting here in prison."  Maybe John thought they would rise to power together. After all, they were cousins.  Instead, John was wasting away in prison.  Had he gotten on the wrong bandwagon?

I've been there.  I am convinced that Jesus is the Savior of the world.  I'm in!  I believe that He can, does and will do mighty things in my life, the lives around me and in the world beyond.  I have seen it and been a part of it.  I know!

However, like John, day to day life breeds discouragement.  Embracing the Messiah's way of life is against the grain these days.  It can result in rejection, judgment and in some places even imprisonment and death. Sometimes I am like John as I think, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have believed you to be?"

Jesus response is simply this,  "Look again on what you know and have heard.  I heal and make whole.  My heart is for the poor.  You are and will be blessed if you don't turn away from me even though it has or may result in difficulties."

I must look again.
 "What ever is true, honorable and right...let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8