John stands in the dank darkness of a cold prison cell, staring intently at the floor of his recently acquired home. He shivers from the dampness that has invaded this tiny cubicle. The sound of the dripping water that has condensed on the rock walls echoes around the room, making it seem even colder. His camel skin coat and leather undergarment are all that keeps him for developing hypothermia. He stomach growls from hunger. Yet, in order to stay true to his vows, he cannot accept any food that may be offered.
He is considering his short life of only thirty years, reflecting mostly on his preaching and the messages he has delivered to those who would hear him. He realizes that he is not the most popular man on the block. He doesn’t wear the robes of a priest. His hair is long and matted. His beard is untrimmed. His appearance causes many to walk away, shaking their heads. Yet those who see past his outward appearance and are actually listening to his words are hearing unbelievable things. He is speaking of the messiah, and he is telling them that he has arrived.
John has never tried to please anyone. He has never compromised himself by conforming to the traditions of the Jews, but rather has kept himself the nazarite he was set aside to be. The reason he is in this place is because he spoke out against sin: holding firm to the law of God rather than bowing in agreement to the error of his earthly superiors.
It is not long after he baptizes his beloved kinship that he finds himself sitting in this isle of loneliness. Since arriving, he has been hearing news of his dear cousin; it seems that Jesus is becoming more controversial each day. Many believe that he is indeed the “One”. Others deny him vehemently, saying that he is using only smoke and shadows to bring about his trickery. Some are even saying that he has become a friend to non-Jews and sinners. Many in powerful positions are livid because he has the audacity to tell many of his followers that he has forgiven their sins.
John sends word to his disciples to come and visit him in prison. Two of them come to hear his request. They are not bidden that they might ask Jesus to come and secure his release. He knows his fate and does not fret over it. His message to be carried to his precious savior is in the form of a simple question.
“Go ask Jesus if he is the chosen one that is to come, or do we look for another?”
John does not ask this because he is riddled with doubt about Jesus being the Christ. All doubts of his cousin’s deity vanished when he bought him out of the water at Jordan; when he saw the dove and heard the voice from heaven. No, this was not the case at all. John has no doubt as to the “plan” or the creator of the plan, but in order to reassure these followers that they will not be left alone after his departure, he wants them to see and understand for themselves that his introduction of the Shepherd was indeed a worthy tribute; that this is indeed the Lamb of God.
Without hesitation the two men exit the dungeon and begin to make their way to Jesus. It doesn’t take long to find him. Everyone has been keeping a close eye on this man.
As they work their way through the crowd finally finding an opening, they see Him. He is not at all surprised by their presence. In fact, He has been awaiting their arrival. However, He ignores them for a few minutes allowing them time to watch him at work. After a few minutes, they come close and ask the question, verbatim, that John has sent them to bear.
Jesus stands quietly and very intently listens to what they have to say. When they have finished he looks over his shoulder at the crowd behind him, moving his head quickly toward them as if to point them out and then very deliberately gives his answer.
“Tell John what you have seen here today”. “Tell him of those things that these poor outcasts have received at my hand.” Tell him of the wondrous miracles you have seen; tell him that those who are poor in spirit have received hope through the gospel.”
“Be sure to tell him that all he preached has now come to fruition”. “Tell him that he can depart in peace knowing that the Lamb of whom he spoke is now doing all the works that he has come to do”! “Tell him that God indeed lives with men”
The Messengers turn and walk away. Jesus watches them as they fade into the crowd. His heart aches at the thought of what John must face. After a moment, He slowly turns to those who are watching the scene that unfolds before them. It is at this point Jesus begins to give the greatest tribute ever breathed across the lips of God to this dear man that was born of his mother’s sister.
John eagerly awaits the news. His heart begins to pound as his disciples appear at his cell door. There is a feeling of both relief and elation as John relives, in his mind, the accounts that his friends relate to him of all they have seen with their own eyes. He is completely satisfied with the answer they bring. He knows that those who have followed him now know what he meant when he pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God”.
John is humbled, yet thankful, that it was he who was chosen to hold open the door as God stepped through it into humanity.
Sam Everett
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