The Importance of John the Baptist
April 11, 2025 - Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
John 10:31–42
Yesterday’s Gospel concluded with the Jews picking up stones in an attempt to kill Jesus for alleged blasphemy. Today’s Gospel, taken from a different chapter, opens in a similar manner. The Jews are appalled that Jesus—whom they consider an ordinary human being—is claiming to be God. In the presence of Jesus, neutrality is no longer an option: one must either believe that He is the Son of God or not.
The reaction of the Jews reflects the reaction of the world. No one can accuse Jesus of wrongdoing; His good deeds, mercy, and compassion touched many, and His teachings placed Him among the wisest figures in history. Yet the issue for the world is not His works or His wisdom, but rather the claims He makes about the source of that wisdom and those works.
In ancient cultures, certain individuals—kings and emperors, for example—were regarded as sons of gods. A Roman emperor even held the dual title of “son of god” and “highest priest.” Similarly, in Scripture, some are called “gods” or “sons of the Most High.” Jesus references this concept by quoting Psalm 82:7: “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’” This title acknowledged their exalted status without implying divinity. In contrast, Jesus is uniquely the Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
After being rejected by the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, who could not understand that no one could perform the works Jesus did unless sent from above, He returned to the region where the Gospel began. It was there, across the Jordan, that John the Baptist testified about Jesus, proclaiming, “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” By pointing toward Jesus, John invited others to believe in Him—among them, the author of the Gospel of John.
Now, we understand why every Gospel begins with John the Baptist and recognize the profound role he played in salvation history. Preparing the way for the Lord means directing others toward Jesus, who is the way, the life, and the truth. As believers, we are called to testify about Christ, thereby leading others to Him.