persecuted and imprisoned (Matt. 25:34-49). But there is no record
that He visited His faithful but persecuted forerunner, John the
Baptist, whom King Herod had unjustly imprisoned in a dungeon (Mark
6:17).
At this time Jesus was free to travel about Galilee and preach; in
fact, he was enjoying halcyon days with crowds following Him. Poor
John, whom Christ had designated as the greatest of the prophets
(Matt. 11:11), at this time was languishing in his dungeon, alone,
virtually living on the meager reports his disciples were able to
bring him of the work Jesus was doing. John longed for Jesus to assert
His Messiahship. When it should happen of course would also mean
John’s release and he would join the Messiah in the grand work to be
done. Don’t blame him if he day-dreamed a bit. He was quite human.
But the weary days dragged by without a visit from Jesus, not even a
letter. Was the Messiah oblivious of the lonely suffering of His
servant?
No, but John was still cooperating with Jesus, though he didn’t
realize just how he shared that honor. Jesus thought of the unnumbered
believers in Him who in centuries to come would suffer alone in
prisons, tempted likewise to think themselves forsaken and hopeless.
Surely He thought also of those who would lie on beds of illness
tempted to think themselves forgotten by Heaven. The truth was that
while Jesus was enjoying those bright days of ministry in Galilee
before “the shadow of a cross arose upon that lonely hill,” He did
think of John suffering in his dungeon; He appreciated his loyalty.
The lonely prophet has been a comfort to all the apparently forsaken
sufferers ever since--including the Mennonites enduring persecution
now in Vietnam. Behold them--Jesus and John standing hand in hand
together in ministry! Now may you and I accept gladly our fellowship
with Him in ministry!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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