Dear Readers, I hope you will join me for “Running Toward the Danger,” The series, based on Scripture and research, looks at the ministry of Jesus through ficitonalized perspectives of those who were front and center. Each post includes the primary Scripture notation, a perspective, and question(s) for thought. My goal is to offer new insights into the ministry of Jesus as He chose to fulfill His Heavenly Father’s purpose for Him by running toward the danger for each of us.

John the Baptist’s Perspective

The Danger of Conflict

Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:1-11 MSG

Perspective

I cut my teeth on Mom’s story about the time our cousin, Mary, came to see her when I was about five months in the oven. According to Mom, Mary had just learned she was pregnant with the Son of God. Yep, you read that right: THE SON OF GOD.

Apparently, even in the womb, when yours truly heard the news, I started making a fuss. Talk about hitting the ground running! My whole life has been about preparing the way for my cousin, Jesus. It’s been quite the adventure! Allow me to explain: for me, there’s been a two-pronged game plan all along.

In my day, communication for most Jews is by word of mouth. Prong one: grab the attention of as many Jews as possible, then get them to listen and believe messages that our long-awaited Savior, Jesus of Nazareth was on the way, right here, right now. The crowds seemed starved for a message of hope. Unfortunately, I knew the gospel Jesus would bring was also bound to bring conflict between Him and Jewish leaders, because of centuries old traditions.

Prong two was just as slippery as prong one: stay under the Roman radar, avoiding conflict, and staying out of jail long enough for Jesus to make his debut. The challenge to both parts of the game plan was knowing the clock would soon start, and I didn’t know exactly when it would run out. I had a sense of urgency to gather and direct as many of our compatriots to following Jesus as possible.

And suddenly . . . there He was . . . standing at the edge of the Jordan River, insisting I baptize Him. How could that be? My heart nearly burst in my chest, my brain swam in the currents and waves of what this moment meant. (Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if an onlooker reported that my eyes spun in their sockets.)

As soon as I gently guided that sacred head out of the water, I knew His work had begun, and mine was coming to an end. His face was a picture of determination, compassion, and peace.

I can still see Jesus rising from the water, shaking it off, then straightening His shoulders, like an officer just before leading the charge against the enemy. Jesus swiftly retrieved his robe from the shore, and casually tossed it on. The people on the banks parted before Him, not sure of what they had just witnessed.

As Jesus neared the crest of the river bank, He turned and looked me straight in the eye. He nodded slightly and smiled at me. Then, as the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, said, Jesus made His “face like flint” and headed in the direction of the Judean desert. The time for following had not yet come. His ministry would begin with the age-old conflict between good and evil; its outcome would change the world.

Question(s) for Thought

Think about a time you ran toward the danger of conflict. What risks were you taking? What compelled you to run? What did you learn about yourself through the experience of running toward conflict? (Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.)

Series Links:

• The Danger of Conflict
• The Danger of Commitment
• The Danger of Community
• The Danger of Transparency
• The Danger of Doubt
• The Danger of Rejection