Why Didn’t Jesus Rescue John the Baptist Podcast
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Why didn’t Jesus Rescue John The Baptist from prison?
King Herod had heard about Jesus. He thought that John the Baptist was Jesus risen from the dead! Herod had John arrested and imprisoned. Herod had a brother named Philip. John was imprisoned because he reprimanded Herod for wrongfully marrying Philip’s wife. Herod was afraid to kill John because a lot of people thought he was a prophet.
When John the Baptist was in prison, I believe he wanted Jesus’s help. When Jesus failed to help John escape, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was really the One, the true Messiah.
Then John The Baptist was beheaded.
His head was presented on a platter as a birthday gift to King Herrod’s wife’s daughter, who then presented the platter to her mother (the king’s wife-Herodias). Upon hearing this news, Jesus went away on a boat for some time alone. Apparently, Jesus was saddened by the death of John, and I’ve always wondered why Jesus didn’t release John from prison.
There are some Biblical questions that will probably remain unanswered until we get to heaven, but, I think Jesus felt He had more pressing things to do than rescuing John. Perhaps during those crucial moments when John was in prison, Jesus was called elsewhere to heal and save souls. There could be a number of reasons why things played out the way that they did, but, I’ve always wondered about this.
So, why do you think that Jesus refused to rescue John The Baptist from prison? Leave your responses in the comments. I’ve copied and pasted the scripture references below.
Matthew 11:1-6
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 14:3-13
3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.
6On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. 13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.
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I am working on a project in school right now on John the Baptist I didn’t understand why he had to die because if he didn’t die he could done a lot for the Glory of God, maybe God had reason for his death maybe if he was alive it would how God wanted the story of Christ to be
Hi Noah,
The proper explanation of ,, why Jesus did not meet John the Baptist, in prison, is like this _:
Jesus preached the messa ge, prior to this incident , i. e. John alleging the king Herod.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.( Luke 6 :37 )
But, yet John tried to show the fault of King Herod.
He used to preach elsewhe re, with his own desciples.
not having any encourage ment from being united with Christ, according to( Philippi nes 2:1 – 4).
We have to go as the word says(James 1 :23), But
John did not go. So,
According to, (2 Thessaloni ans 3:6) Jesus did not go to meet John the baptist.
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Wrong. That is not what do not judge means. Jesus judged, reamed even, the leaders of his time. Judgement is throughout the Bible. We are even told to put some people out of the church for certain sins in fact. And there are rules for pastors, 1 wife, etc.
In many circumstances we are required to judge. And if you meant John’s entourage in your mis- spelled statement, as if John was jealous of Jesus; wrong again. John the Baptist was one of the most humble of prophets in the Bible, and Jesus himself said there was no greater prophet than John. John himself said he must decrease so that Jesus would increase. John the Baptist was allowed to be murdered for the kingdom of God, for speaking the truth, because, as Jesus said, they always murdered the proohets, so he died for his godliness, and for speaking the truth.
And there are scriptures about the timing of things, and that God is allowing certain sons of the devil’s sin to fill up. Speaking the truth is not a sin, it is a requirement. John is in heaven now, and from that vantage point, there is a higher reason for all that occurs down here. It’s not all about this short life; it’s about eternity. John was right in condemning Herod’s sin.
Good answer in my opinion thanks for sharing
Beheading of John the Baptist and inaction of Jesus who is believed to have performed many miracles including feeding 5000 followers with 5 loaves of bread.How Jesus failed to foresee the execution of his cousin by Herod. Was there any rivalry between John the Baptist and Jesus as they differed on Baptism. When John baptised with water Jesus believed in baptising in the name of holy spirit eventhough he was baptised by John. Considering the climate prevailing in Jordan River in different seasons the one proposed by Jesus sounds good for all seasons. New Testament is unconvincing on some aspects including the mystery behind Mary Magdalene.
John the Baptist came for one reason only, to lead the way to Jesus. There was no rivalry whatsoever between them. And Jesus saying John baptized with water, and he with the spirit, points to the Holy Spirit coming in a mighty way, after his death and resurrection. Believers are still told to be baptized with water, and the spirit, to this day, so there is no contradiction.
And what mystery about Mary Magdelene? She was one of Jesus’ followers. She loved him dearly, and she also supported his ministry financially, according to historians.
If you mean the fallacy that was promoted many years ago, that she and Jesus were lovers, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus was without sin. And because he loved Mary, he would never have hurt her in that way.
Jesus came for one reason only, to be the unblemished lamb of God, to lay down his life for all of us. And John the Baptist came for one reason only too, to make straight the path that leads to Jesus.
Personally I think compering John the apostle and the baptist’s relationship with Jesus,,, then I feel the apostle was more there for Jesus n vise versa, give that among the 12, the apostle John was in the cycle of Jesus’3 closest friends,…. But the baptist was more like a business partner of Christ,, N their relationship was done from a distance ………..I guess the lesson is for us to draw closer to God n not to doubt when we need answers that are not fortcoming
Thanks for commenting anonymous!
John fulfilled his mission on earth, which is to prepare for Jesus. His imprisonment and death must be good for him and his followers. It is God’s intention not to allow John to become one of the disciples of Jesus and let him die the way he died. I believe John understood God’s plan for him and obeyed God. Otherwise he would have tried to become one of the disciples of Jesus.
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)
John fulfilled his mission on earth, which is to prepare for Jesus. His imprisonment and death must be good for him and his followers. It is God’s intention not to allow John to become one of the disciples of Jesus and let him die the way he died. I believe John understood God’s plan and obeyed. Otherwise he would have tried to become one of the disciples of Jesus.
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)
Thanks for commenting, David. I enjoy reading your insight! Have a blessed Sunday!
I think Jesus is a coward and a douchebag. Matt says that Jesus “withdrew” to Galilee after he found out Johnny was captured. Withdrew means ran away in military parlance. So to my point of being a coward, Evidence A. Remember, Jesus is a god, or at least has the powers of a god being his son and all. Jesus can bring people back from the dead, all he would have had to do is think about freeing Johnny and he would be free. So why not? John got his head cut off right? Kind of a douchebag thing to do if you ask me. John was all about JC, but JC couldn’t be bothered reattach his head, but he brings back to life Lazarus? Are you serious? Douchebag.
Perhaps Jesus was behind the murder of John the Baptist.
Kevin, I cannot believe the moderator allowed your offensive laguage/comments. How lucky for you that Jesus said anything spoken against God and Jesus could be forgiven, but not blasphemy of the Holy Spirit..
It’s not all about this life, this life points to eternity,as John’s life pointed to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. John the Baptsist’s death was a part of the plan, as was Jesus’ death. You have no spiritual discernment whatsoever. Your insults toward Jesus are vile. May the Lord God forgive you and lead you to repentance, in Jesus’ Holy Name I pray.
P.S. And to call Jesus a coward, Jesus who laid down his life for you, to pay for your sins, who was beaten and tortured and mocked and murdered, for you, well this is quite appallingly, and your comments make it clear as to why Jesus had to die.
Everything happens for a reason. We will all die one day and how and when that happens does not matter. Paul says: For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
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Perhaps Jesus was behind the murder of John the Baptist.
Mason, wow, how this blog is degrading. You are obviously not a believer or you would know better. May the Lord forgive you.
In my research, i could say that most scriptural qoutes are very complicated.thats to say we can not understand beyond the measure of our faith. God have made that be. before the arrival of jesus christ, many christians lack the knowledge of THE supernatural manifest of the holy ghost. God Does Not Come Donw From HeaVen To Help US But Have Made His Power Avaliable For All To DisPLAY. that was what i see that apostle john lack. he was actually expecting the physical strenghtful king or saviour. though he understood that he was the saviour but was disappointed cos he seeked for the physical manifest. and that is how most of us are till date. we are still expecting jesus to come physically to fight for us.
Yes Jesus sends his angels and the Holy Spirit to fight for us(Isaiah 28:21, Isaiah 59:19b
Also Jesus uses the scripture as battle axe against the enemy (when we employ them for warfare)
John Mission finished the day he baptized Jesus. From that day Jesus ‘s mission got started. Saving John was needless, coz h’ d done his part. Remember Jesus didn’t come for those that were healthy (people who knew the faith),but for the sick.
True.
I think it was because John had completed his mission on earth.
after the completion of task or purpose it is time to allow another generation to run the race..that why when you are born find your purpose so time can not work against you..John did well,prison was showing that he was no angel he has to go through all tribulations and calamities so that when we go through we not surprised…
I’m sure humanly, Jesus would really like to have rescued John. He deeply felt John’s death as we see in Matthew 14:13. In this tragedy, we are invited into the truth of Jesus’ sharing in our humanity, and simultaneously given a picture of the heart of the Father towards His children’s
sufferings as the results of our sinfulness.
Divinely though, Jesus came to rescue the entire human race, and could not escape His own human, physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.
Think about it. Jesus had many opportunities to take matters into His own hands, but how might such actions interfered with the purposes of God, and the plan of redemption? His own Disciples expected quite a different outcome by the time circumstances culminated in the garden.
How would we really know in Whom we have believed without these glimpses, and images we gain as God takes His hands off to allow mankind’s free will in an attempt to make life work apart from Him, or to choose to be restored to relationship with Him through surrender?
We will definitely have to wait for some answers and understanding on the other side of our current temporal lives.
1 Cor. 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
King James Version (KJV)
I’m sure humanly, Jesus would really like to have rescued John. He deeply felt John’s death as we see in Matthew 14:13. In this tragedy, we are invited into the truth of Jesus’ sharing in our humanity, and simultaneously given a picture of the heart of the Father towards His children’s
sufferings as the results of our sinfulness.
Divinely though, Jesus came to rescue the entire human race, and could not escape His own human, physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.
Think about it. Jesus had many opportunities to take matters into His own hands, but how might such actions interfered with the purposes of God, and the plan of redemption? His own Disciples expected quite a different outcome by the time circumstances culminated in the garden.
How would we really know in Whom we have believed without these glimpses, and images we gain as God takes His hands off to allow mankind’s free will in an attempt to make life work apart from Him, or to choose to be restored to relationship with Him through surrender?
We will definitely have to wait for some answers and understanding on the other side of our current temporal lives.
1 Cor. 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
King James Version (KJV)
As a Son of God living on earth, I believe that Jesus knew that John would die very soon after His baptism as John’s purpose was to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus. I also believe that Jesus would have been acting out of order if he had rescued John from prison or raise him from the dead. For one, John didn’t asked to be rescued, nor were there any other mentioned of another purpose John had to fulfill. So in other words, Jesus would have been acting against the plan of God. Remember He said I only say and do what I see the Father do. Furthermore, i believe that John settled in his heart that Jesus was the Messiah after he received the message from him that the sick are healed, the dead are raised etc…That I believe satisfied John’s purpose for life and was content with his life at that point. I believe John had the authority to rescue himself having the Holy Spirit as his help. According to Luke 1:15-17, …he was filled with the Spirit as a child and also walked in the spirit and power of Elijah…
Interestingly, in John 1:35-46….why would John inform his disciples that Jesus is the Lamb of God? I believe he was telling his disciples that his time was near end and that he was indirectly telling them to follow the Lamb of God while he was alive, as a father would to ensure his children make the
right choices while he was still alive (though it was their choice). So as a result I believe that both Jesus and John knew what would happen (John’s death).
I believe it would have been a bit chaotic on earth having both Jesus and John the Baptist ministry at the same time which directly goes against who God is (Simple/pure/clear etc not chaotic).
As the Son of man living on earth, I believe that Jesus was deeply saddened by John’s death even though He knew it would happen and needed to be away to mourn his loss and to be comforted by God (the Holy Spirit). Again this to me is an example which is consistent with the word. Jesus wepted when Lazarus died and needed comforting when He prayed to the Father to take this cup of suffering from Him. Keep in mind that Jesus was a man on earth and was also baptized with the Holy Spirit (who is The comforter).To me, this is an example of how we ought to live our lives. We may mourn or suffer persecution but we are not alone, we have The Comforter within us. Just as Jesus did.
Jesus being so loving as the Son of God and as the Son of man, I can feel how deeply sadden He must of felt not given to save John’s life on earth but on the other hand, He knew that He will see him soon in Heaven and the the Will of the Father supersedes His as the Son of man and the Son of God.
Additionally, after looking at what started this imprisonment; it was the lust of the flesh. A man (herod) wanting another man’s wife (his brother Philip).
Please read this information below.
HERODIAS
The Woman Responsible for the Murder of a Preacher
Scripture References—Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:14-24; Luke 3:19, 20
Name Meaning—As a member of the Herodian dynasty, perhaps the most despicable dynasty history has known, the name Herodias is but the female form of Herod, the royal name for the political rulers during the time of Christ and the apostles. It was under the vile and cruel orders of the Herods that Jesus and His followers were often persecuted and punished. Herod means “heroic”—not very applicable to the Herodian family, the majority of whom, particularly Herodias, were more hellish than heroic.
Family Connections—Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, son of Herod the Great and Mariamne, daughter of Hyrcanus. Her first husband was Philip I, son of Herod the Great and Mariamne, so she married her own uncle, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, whom her mother used to destroy John the Baptist. When Herod Antipas visited Rome, he was entertained by Philip and Herodias. Herod abducted his royal brother’s wife. His own wife, an Arabian princess, was an obstacle to an illicit marriage, so he divorced her, and Herodias became queen in her stead, and with her daughter was installed in the palace. “The corroding immorality of Herod’s race shows itself in his marriage with Herodias his brother’s wife and the wanton offense thereby given to Jewish sensibilities.”
Among the female characters in God’s portrait gallery there are many wicked women as we are discovering, but surely Herodias stands out among them as one of the most vile and vicious. Amid the putrefying influence of the palace, however, there was one man who knew no fear, John the Baptist. Herod “feared” him and regarded him as “a just man” and whom “he heard gladly.” Herod found music in the preacher’s message until he sternly rebuked the king by saying of Herodias, “It is not lawful for thee to have her.” But such a warning bell was to toll the Baptist’s doom. For his faithful rebuke of Herod’s sin, John was cast into prison, and the evil, scheming mind of Herodias began to work. She was stung by the arrow from the preacher’s quiver and hated him for exposing her shame. “For Herodias’ sake,” he was imprisoned and thus the greatest of the prophets was sacrificed for this lewd and vicious woman. But the hatred of such a vile creature was more to be desired than her affection (Matthew 10:23; Luke 6:26). Herodias, with her conscience in turmoil because of her accuser, planned to silence him. She did not want Herod to listen too closely and constantly to John’s forceful preaching. She feared her illegal husband—for her first husband was still alive—might repent, and her position as queen, imperiled.
Herodias knew Herod only too well. He easily succumbed to sensual excitement, and as his birthday drew near her foul design was hatched. On the day when drink freely flowed, Herodias used her own daughter to inflame Herod’s passions. She was willing to sacrifice her child’s modesty in order to bend Herod to her will. Herod was overcome by Salome’s form seen through the flowing flimsy garment she wore, and influenced by the act of the dancing girl took a rash and foolish oath to give her whatever she asked, even to half of his kingdom. Approaching her mother, Salome said, “What shall I ask?” Without hesitation Herodias, the female hyena, replied, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist.” Returning to Herod she presented her demand, and Herod was extremely sorry at such a request. Yet, because of his oath’s sake, he sacrificed the preacher whom he regarded as just and holy, and all because of his guilty love for a vile woman. No wonder he was smitten with fear when he heard of the fame of Jesus, thinking it was John the Baptist risen from the dead to torment his conscience further. One wonders how Salome felt when the gory dish of the preacher’s head was handed to her? (See href=”/id/43464131-4537-4639-2D32-3945462D3341″>Salome.)
Herodias’ Old Testament counterpart was Jezebel. What Herodias was to Herod, Jezebel was to Ahab. Both Ahab and Herod were wicked, and in both cases the woman was more wicked. Both Jezebel and Herodias fostered hate that became deadly against a prophet of God. Jezebel hated Elijah and sought to kill him—Herodias hated John the Baptist, the New Testament Elijah, and succeeded in his murder. What was the end of Herodias? Since she was the source of Herod’s sin, Herodias also became the source of his shame. According to Josephus, Herodias’ ambition was the ruin of Herod. Jealous of the power of Agrippa her brother, she prodded Herod to demand of Caligula, the emperor, the title of king. Agrippa saw to it that this demand was refused, and Herod was banished and ended his days in shame and exile. The pride of Herodias forced her to be faithful to her husband in the disgrace and misfortune she herself had caused.
© 1988 Zondervan. All Rights Reserved
There are some very good responses to the question of why Jesus did not rescue John the Baptist. Of all these responses, it seems to me, that the most accurate answer would be, John’s mission was fulfilled, and Jesus had to fulfill his own mission. Remember that 11 of the 12 disciples (or Apostles), all died at premature ages. When Jesus told the Apostle John (at the last Supper), that it is you, that I love the most. Jesus was not showing any favoritism towards John (I don’t think that John knew this), but he was telling him, that he would out-live his fellow Apostles (he had to live long enough to receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ). Aren’t most of your deepest relationships between people that you’ve known the longest (like brothers and sisters)? At judgement, when Jesus raises John the Baptist, and all of the Apostles, I don’t think that anyone will ask, why didn’t you save me back then? They will be so happy to see him (for eternity), that they won’t even remember. That goes for all of us.
Why does proverbs 27:5 say “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling, he will hide me in the shelter of his sacerd tent, adn set me upono a rock.”
Im confused because John the Baptist was in a pretty crazy day of trouble when he was about to be killed! He didn’t seem so safe upon a rock at his day of trouble… Im no sceptic im a hard core believer in Chirst, just im confused and looking for answers. Thanks everyone.
Remember John was filled with the holy spirit while in His mother’s womb.
Martyrdom is sometimes the price paid for preaching righteousness, though, almost everyone else in the New Testament who gives their life, does so preaching Jesus and not over someone’s immorality.
There is a greater issue here than Jesus not rescuing John.
Though imprisoned, John’s company was enjoyed by Herod and consequently, it is possible Herod kept him comfortable and well fed though still he was imprisoned:
“Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, but heard him gladly(Mark 6:20).”
The conversations ended when John was executed, then sometime after, Herod receives reports about JESUS.
I find it interesting that Herod knows nothing about Jesus from John. Herod thinks that Jesus is a resurrected John the Baptist ( see also Math 14:1-2)
Mark 6
14 King Herod heard of Him, for His name was spread publicly. He said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and therefore these miracles are at work in him.”
16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “It is John, whom I beheaded. He has been raised from the dead!”
Mathew 14 :
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead. And therefore mighty works are at work in him.”
So for a time, perhaps a couple of years, John is in the slammer apparently in deep conversation with the King and not preaching anything at all about Jesus!
And Herod in his mind recognizes Jesus is notable, not because “he is the Son that has has all things placed into his hand(John 3:36),” but because he is JOHN RETURNED.
So the more important questions are why did not John the Baptist join Jesus and how much “Jesus” did John actually teach after the descending Dove incident?
The scripture you have not read is what Jesus quoted to John by His disciples, The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor. AND BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO DOES NOT FALL AWAY ON ACCOUNT OF ME. I think Jesus was asking John to continue to believe in Him even if Jesus did not save John. So many times in our lives we do not understand why Jesus does not answer our prayers but the main point is to continue to believe in Jesus when we do not get what we want.
Was Jesus timid enough, to get away to a lonely place when heard of the shocking news about John’s sad end?
Firstly, This is my own personal take on this thought basing on my common sense, and I humbly pray that it doesn’t do any harm on anyones faith.
Jesus loved John so much! They grew up together! Mary his mother came to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, to comfort her and help deliver John. And She even stayed behind longer until eElizabeth gathered her strength after childbirth. So who cared for the newborn John? The young expectant mother, Mary! Mary considered him like her own “ son”, too. Do you see ( feel) the closeness here? John and Jesus grew up in a close knit family, played together, shared many things together. They were cousins. Without a doubt, Jesus would have come to John’s rescue instantly. However, we must get this understanding straight… from the very beginning, starting from his mother Elizabeth who was thought to be barren and had him at a matured age ( he was a menopausal baby?) it is understood, that John the Baptist was born to pave the way for Jesus. And John did. “I am not worthy to baptize you, John told Jesus..” But Jesus gave him the honor… He was one of the most honored man, to baptize the Son of God! I wouldn’t be surprised, if John even trained Jesus for ministering, would you? God had a plan of Salvation, and John’s role in it was over. He passed the torch to Jesus. But being human, even Jesus, experienced fear and doubts and second thoughts. In the Agony in the garden Jesus prayed to his Father three times, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” It is heart breaking and understandable. Just Imagine how distraught Jesus must have felt to know his beloved cousin John beheaded. “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a remote solitary place.” This act alone tells us, how deeply mournful Jesus was. If he cried for Lazarus ( another beloved playmate and cousin of Jesus), imagine how deeply sorrowful He must have felt for John? God’s Plan of Salvation MUST be fulfilled and John’s death are just one of the many many pains Jesus ( and Mother Mary, too) had to endure. When I was a little girl, I was bothered by this thought, too but now, I think I understand. GOD bless us all. Amen.
If I may add further… And even the Son of God, cannot interfere in the Plan of His Father. “ Not my Will but My Father’s WIIL.” Jesus had a purpose here to fulfill His Father’s Plan for the Redemption of Sin. His compassion moved Him to heal but He was placed here not to act like a super hero and come to the rescue of those who needed him! In truth, He doesn’t have to be present to rescue John, he could have just sent one of His Angels to do the job! Or, heck send all the legions of angels and save us all, no more cruxifixtion, why does he have to suffer??? But that would be human- thinking. It is not God’s Purpose. iHe was a dutiful son , half man half God who fulfilled His Father’s Will, endured pain, humiliation and suffering, crucified to redeem us all from sin and He triumphed over death and sin by His resurrection. Just as John’s death ( beheading) becomes an honored sacrifice towards the fulfillment of God’s Plan Of Salvation.
John represented the prophets just as Moses represented the law, and both the law and the prophets pointed to the coming Savior, Jesus. These two are the two witnesses who for hundreds of years , in hidden form, pointed to the coming Messiah. This is why you see Moses and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus, while we hear God say “this is my Son in whom I am well pleased”. Jesus also claimed that John was the spirit of Elijah. John did not get rescued because the work of the prophets was completed, being, to point to or identify the Messiah, which John did at Jesus Baptism. This is why John states “I must become less while he (Jesus) becomes more.” No need to look back to the OT law and the prophets because that which was prophesied had now come….Jesus.
An interesting question and series of answers,most of which I agree with. Setting captives free is a feature of Jesus’ preaching on the Kingdom of God, but it’s a spiritual freedom. I guess it’s partly a lesson to all of us that God won’t necessarily rescue us from difficult situations we find ourselves in and like John the Baptist and the people killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them we need to ensure that we are saved…repented and believe in the LORD Jesus Christ
“ Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13: 4-5
ACCORDING TO MATHEW 16:25 Which says, “For who soever want to save their life shall lose it but whosoever loses their life for me will find it…just that he had been destined to fulfil d righteousness by making d way of d Lord….my belief is that John d baptist will forever b happy where ever he z now…THOU ART WORTHY nd Who dare question hiz AUTHORITY
God was using John’s witness in the midst of the evil of Herod’s palace. John continued to witness to Herod and certainly many other people there heard about Jesus from John, a powerful witness, that wouldn’t have heard if he hadn’t been there in prison. Why did he die?? Could his death for his witness also be a strong witness that he also gave his life for God’s truth and glory? As well, his story is included in the record of the outworking of evil. The devil’s governance does not end in a happy outcome. Is it not also encouragement to us who may be called upon to give our lives for God’s work and glory? I pray that one day we will hear the answers from John’s own voice. Amen.
It was written to be my disciple you must hate your farmily and your life.Jesus came for those who are lost.John was not lost the bible says anyone who will risk his/her life for my sake will have it aboundantly,discipleship invoves the cross; difficulties and sometimes painful.Jesus himself also no that he himslf can also fulfil his purpose after passing through pains. He said father if it is your will let this cup go.if you are called by God you dont have your free will and you are not afraid of killing the body for people to demonstrate. John known that he has finish his work but he is thinking about the one coming after him to find out that all he said about him is true becaus he used all his time to prepare his way so jesus reply tell him blind could see, lame can walk.
And when he here that message he became happy; truely
i have finish my work. More joy for this people read about stephen and simon you will know that each is created for certain purpose.
It’s possible that Jesus was saving John from an even worse fate. We don’t know what would have happened if John had been released. We know that John was so bold that Herod, the Pharisees, and Sadducees were all afraid of the impact his ministry was making. He might possibly have been crucified alongside Jesus which would have been far more horrible for him. It’s also possible that John did know what was about to happen to him and sent his followers to Jesus one last time b/c he needed reassurance that he really did fulfill his destiny and all he did was not in vain. I don’t think he had lost faith, but he was just being human. We all want this reassurance before passing on.
He didn’t care!
Cynthia,
I think it’s one of those things that we never understand until we get to Heaven.
John the Baptist would never have been allowed to live after Christ’s death! God had to get rid of him before as otherwise John would have continued to preach and perform miracles after Christ was crucified. This would have been completely confusing to people. I think it was a simple matter of divine politics! On the other hand why did God allow His own son to be slaughtered? We are mere mortals and what happens in the realm that God exists in is hard to understand for us, I fear Him because I know we are helpless.
Hi, Adrian
Thanks for posting your response. Miracles continued to happen after Christ’s death. Look at The Apostle Paul! He performed many miracles! I talked about this a little bit on this blog post: https://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2011/06/early-christians-more-thoughts.html
I’ve never seen a miraculous healing, but I’ve heard it happen to others. God can do anything!
Maybe Jesus did visit his kinsman in prison. Maybe he didn’t let anyone know, or maybe no one knew except their family. Jesus seemed to be pretty skilled at getting in and out of dangerous situations.
The Gospel of John ends with, “Jesus did many other things. If all of them were recorded, I imagine that world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written.” I think it makes sense to be careful about assuming things *didn’t* happen simply because they aren’t recorded in the gospels . . .
It was a prophecy fulfillment for christ himself also to suffer the same, that is why He didn’t rescued John read the book of Matthew 17:12 carefully and study it carefully we will get the reason why..
On many occasions God remain silent on certain issues that will bring into play certain catastrophic events that seals a person’s fate according to His judgement. He was silent when Moses was attacked, we thought it was God. But, not so! He silently revealed to Sipporah how to stop the accuser from overpowering Moses….remember?
Hold on…
He (God), silently advised Solomon to marry the Philistine because He desired to bring judgement on them at an appropriate timing….remember?
Jesus, thought that God had deserted Him, but three days later God delivered Him from death honoring Jesus preductions….am I getting through? You must not let the enemy know everything. At the appropriate time and on the appropriate level you advance the final judgement, always! “They that wait on the Lord.”…..stay tuned and keep knocking….
Maybe John’s assignment was over, maybe he went beyond his assignment, He doubted Jesus being who He is. He sent messages to ask him ” are you the messiah or should I look for Him. Maybe God did not save him because His assignment on earth was over. John himself said “I must decrease that He may increase. He did not decrease in prison He increased. Just maybe, God wanted him to come home to allow Jesus to be the Judge.
Hi, Lena
Thanks for responding. I don’t believe that John believed his time was over since he asked if Jesus was the Messiah. He wanted out of prison, and he wanted Jesus to help him. I guess, I wish there was a passage (maybe there is? if there is, I can’t recall?) where Jesus speaks directly to John and explains that his time is over, and it’s time for him to go to Heaven. Such a conversation may have given John more clarity. Jesus is a perfect, although he is in human flesh. John is not perfect, and may be needed things explained to him in a different way? I guess this is one of those questions that we, as Christians, may struggle with until we get to Heaven.
I think John has finished his work and had to leave the scene for Christ to take over since his(John’s) mandate was to prepare the way for Christ.
Hi, Richard
Thanks for visiting my blog, and for leaving a comment!
I sense that John did not feel as if he were finished?
I believe he wanted to continue his work.
God obviously had other plans.
Please visit some of my other Sunday Brunch blog posts: https://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/category/sunday-brunch
Because he no longer had any worth to the kingdom. It is sad to think Jesus was too busy to help John. If that is the case then how can we believe he will have time for us. Being sad after he was dead did not change the outcome, he should have etried to help.
Johns job had been completed. He was the messenger. He was not intended to travel with Jesus. He was no longer needed to spread the word of the coming of the Savior. From that time forward, Jesus spoke for himself. The disciples would complete the end of the story. They would spread the word that Jesus birth had been foretold, that He was born into this world to save sinners, if they believed and repented, He died on the cross for their sins and rose again to fulfill the scriptures. After Jesus had fulfilled the scriptures, He died. Everything was as it should be.