The Herald
John the Baptiser was the herald sent to announce the coming of the Messiah and to prepare the people to receive Him
John spent years in the utter loneliness of the desert eating locust and wild honey He wore clothes made
of camel’s hair with a leather belt round his waist Until receiving the prophetic call, he was in the desert His attire reminded one of Elijah and his words were like those of the authentic prophets of the Old Testament One day he heard a call from heaven “John?” “Here I am, who called me?” John said. The voice answered “I am the God of your fathers. It is time Go and tell my people. “Receiving the call, John came to the bank of the river Jordan. People gathered around him.
John’s message was an urgent call to conversion He proclaimed that God was angry with the world and was about to punish the sinful humanity Only a true change of heart and life could save one from the impending disaster And he told them that the kingdom of God is at hand. “Repent and return to the Lord Leave the crooked paths and walk the straight path of truth and justice”
A group of Jewish leaders from Jerusalem came to John and asked him “Who are you? And you the Messiah?” He replied: “No, I am not the Messiah. I am not worthy even to undo the straps of his sandals. I am a voice crying in the wolderness. Repent and receive the baptism. I baptize with water in order to prepare you to receive the Messiah, but He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire” He said, “The Messiah was coming after him to purify the world with fire. Everybody without exception was a sinner before God and stood in need of conversion ” The people came in crowds and were baptized by John The baptism he administered was a sign of admitting one’s sinfulness and need of salvation.
Courtesy: Sebastian D’Cruz