John the Baptist was a big deal until Jesus came along. I turn to a new, accessible book, designed to be read with his forthcoming more academic volume, by James F. McGrath, Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist (Eerdmans, 2024). Mark begins his Gospel with John, informing us of his message (prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah, baptism of repentance, confession of sins), his wilderness location, his attire as “cosplay” (not all that unusual, but not very comfortable), his popularity, and his primary rite: baptism. Back to the message: he preached about the coming one, and McGrath calls him the “Christmaker.” (Matthew, Luke, and John follow Mark in this emphasis on John early in the life of Jesus.)
Fascinating and probably wrong. I wonder if the accessible book or the coming academic study explains the fetus John leaping for joy in his mother's womb at the presence of the embryonic Jesus who was conceived inside Mary's virgin womb by the Holy Spirit, the little Gospel detail that shows to my mind just who followed who and also who was The Maker.
Interesting. I’d love to hear more about the Nazarite vs priest angle. Thinking about John’s family dynamics. 🤔
Jesus as a follower of John seems unconvincing. John didn’t speak as though Jesus was a disciple. “... But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie …” Luke 3:16
Fascinating and probably wrong. I wonder if the accessible book or the coming academic study explains the fetus John leaping for joy in his mother's womb at the presence of the embryonic Jesus who was conceived inside Mary's virgin womb by the Holy Spirit, the little Gospel detail that shows to my mind just who followed who and also who was The Maker.
Thank you Scott for sharing this thought provoking book and your questions
Yes
Interesting. I’d love to hear more about the Nazarite vs priest angle. Thinking about John’s family dynamics. 🤔
Jesus as a follower of John seems unconvincing. John didn’t speak as though Jesus was a disciple. “... But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie …” Luke 3:16
Wow--this is thought provoking and holds a number of things to consider. Thank you!