I just started reading Mark. "Jesus in Fast Forward" What if you knew a guy like John the Baptist? (J the B) He must have created quite a wake!
Before Jesus is even 'around' (born but not in ministry yet) John is going at it. He brings a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John is aware of man's brokenness; his need to confess and his need to repent! And rather than just give folk a "duty to do" he calls them to CHANGE! Radical Change!
Sure he starts with a religious act - the actual process of getting wet (like a washing, I think) but his real call to change is by stopping your evil, broken & sinful ways and becoming a new person. Becoming a new person - not just based on your own work, but by reliance on God, the one true God who J the B was calling us to follow.
J the B knows his role - to bring the message that prepares the world for The Lord (the Christ). He will do whatever is necessary to accomplish his task. Think about the ridicule he sustained. He hung out in the desert region. He wore clothes made of Camel's hair (I don't think it looked like a nice blazer), he feasted on Locusts, dipped in honey (Anthony Bourdain, step aside). He was a character.
I believe, at least partly, that is what attracted people from all over to come see him (and hear his message). He was authentic until the end. He served his Master.
So what can we learn from J the B?
1) Know your Master.
2) Be authentic.
3) Be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have.
4) Be provocative, after all the Gospel certainly is.
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