The Pharisees had it “in” for any people that did not follow the “status quo.” They did not “like people” who danced to their own beat.
John the Baptizer certainly fit into that category, as did Jesus himself.
When John appeared in his wilderness setting and started to draw crowds to himself – the Pharisees became concerned and took notice.
When Jesus left the safety of Galilee and headed toward Judea, the Pharisees again took notice.
They were the watchdogs for all that was sacred and holy “as they understood it to be.” They very much had “closed minds” and “hardened hearts.”
There was never any room for anyone that did not suit their tastes or anyone who might upset the status quo in even the “most minuscule kind of way.” It was self protectionism at its best!
The baptizer certainly fell into their category – and so they became concerned and a little obsessed.
They were concerned about John. He needed to be watched. He needed to be reined in. He needed to be questioned.
So they simply did as they were wont to do…and they sent some “flunkies” first to watch him “in action” and then, to “confront him” where he was.
Who was he?
Where did he come from?
Who were his people?
Why was he washing people?
What did he mean by baptism?
What did he understand by repentance?
And just exactly what was he saying about the “forgiveness of sins?”

These were all normal reasonable questions…questions that anyone would ask!

And his answers would reveal a great deal about himself and who he was.

At stake here – was his “honor.” Was he overstepping his bounds? Who did he think he was? Was he inflating his sense of honor?

The ancients received news of a “personal nature” usually with a great deal of suspicion and disbelief.

People “hid details” from others that might bring shame upon themselves. They learned from early on “the fine art of deception.” Never say “too much” about yourself. Never give yourself “a way.” Say as little as you must.

It was called “the subtle art of evasion.”

After all, not every-thing was every- body’s business. People were nosey. They liked to pry.

Both “one’s shame” and “one’s honor” lived a long time after one was deceased. “Family honor” followed you…as did “family shame.”

The shame of “one family member” showed brightly on all family members…the same was true for honor. Both honor and shame spoke volumes…that would be remembered and would precede and follow after you.
This was a “fact finding mission.” The Pharisees wanted to be “in the know.”

It was said that the Baptizer spoke without evasion. He did not enter into the realm of half-truths and dishonest denials. He was honest and straight-forward.

Instead he spoke with a conviction of “a personal calling from God…”

And, as he attempted to answer their questions, he did so as if, he himself were in “a court of law.” He truly possessed a “transparent character.” Or at least, seemed to…

Like him or love him, dislike him or hate him, with John…you pretty much got “what you saw.”

When confronted John answered their questions in a short, emphatic way, like a witness responding to direct questioning or to cross examination.

No, he was not the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet….and while he denied identity with any of the apocalyptic figures, “his ministry” “his message” and his very demeanor – seemed to mirror or to mimic all three of them.

“This John”was a conundrum that needed to be watched and further scrutinized. One brief encounter with him was not enough.

He needed to be questioned again and again. He needed to be watched. He needed to be listened to…observed…

The Pharisees would make sure that – that happened. It was all about the timing.

Just let the Baptizer step out of line too far…let him say the wrong thing…let him do the wrong thing…and he was there’s…they would see that whatever measures were necessary – would be taken.

And of course, you do realize this is only the first chapter of the Gospel of John and already in the first chapter – the Pharisees are doing their clandestine work.

Just remember it is all about “the status quo” – which means watch what you say and watch what do and don’t ever upset the apple cart!

Amen.