So we now turn to John the Baptist. Again, beginning with history, Pope Benedict not that Luke tells those who read his words that the Baptist began his life "in the days of Herod, king of Judea" (Lk 1:5). The local Jewish readers would understand when this was. However, Luke also wishes to acknowledge the Roman empire. In Lk 2.1 he starts the infancy narrative with these words: "in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus" (pg 11).When Jesus did begin his public ministry, Luke tells us that it was "in the fifteenthyear of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate beng governor of Judea ..." (Lk 3: 1-2). All of this history assists the reader in knowing at what time in history Jesus came upon the active ministry scene.
A discovery at Qumran, after World War II, of some parchments led to an introduction of a movement --- one of several --- that existed at the time Jesus and John were growing up. The Essenes had moved into the desert of Judea. They walked away form Herod and his temple. This group formed monastic-style communities that was characterized by a common rule or life for families based on their religious beliefs. The Essenes became know for their literary productions and the liturgical rites they established. Seemingly the Baptist lived some time within one of the Essene communities where he formed some of his religious beliefs. There are some who believe that Jesus and his family also had contact with the Essene communities.
When John began his teaching and preaching, he message was "completely new" (pg 14). For him baptism was a one time event. This differed from the usual rituals everyone knew. The baptism that John was calling people to accept was one that was to be a sign of conversion that would put the person on the pathway of a new direction and it was to last forever. God's judgment was not to be overlook as well not to be missed is that one who would be greater than John would come upon the scene.
Benedict reminds us that John, the Evangelist, was not aware who the person was the he was to prepare the way for through his preaching. The Baptist knows this much: he entire mission is to make ready a path "for the mysterious Other" (p 14).
