John the Baptist: --his Testimony and Confession: "I am not The Christ."
--his Mission and Purpose: Baptisms of Repentance.
--his Identity and Place: Singular wilderness voice of Call.
The Gospels say little about John the Baptist. What they do seem to say clearly, however, is that though obviously fervent, he was not fanatical; though assuredly incisive, he was not insensitive; though possibly problematic, he was not enigmatic.
John-of-the-Wild speaks today as fervently, incisively, and problematically as ever he did to the Jews, and his counsel to the Roman soldiers is telling, tolling the bell of our all-too-common American experience: "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." (Luke 3:14 RSV).
He took no position to himself, that is, John had the inner witness that the One who was soon--and ready--to appear after him must ever increase, while he must decrease. He knew that he was not the one to be lifted up and consequently draw all men to himself.
However, John the Baptist had a dark moment. From prison, he revealed to us just how powerfully repression can affect an individual's staunchest beliefs. John--that "John" of unparalleled courage and conviction--questioned whether the one whose way that he, John, was preparing, were actually the "One," sending this query through his disciples: "Are you He who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3) And the One whose way had indeed been prepared answered with understanding and patience, validating John's ministry with the embrace, "My messenger." (vs.10)
That other man wearing everyday sandals--as would any of that time and place--did come after John. That man was "Light." Like Adam, that Man was an archetype. He, however, would come as the One not ever to fall, not ever to succumb to temptation or to unencumbered self-interest. John's heralded Man was the "Son" of the un-fallen Adam--the Son of "Man"-- being therefore, the "Last Adam" and, at the same time, the "second man," (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) Himself appearing as the origin for new creations...men, women, girls, boys... Himself appearing as the Way for the "third" and "fourth" and "millionth new man."
Larry Inman