John not only prophesied of Jesus but he was also a prophet to the nations. He spoke God's truth and told Herod (the ruler of Galilee) that he shouldn't marry his brother's former wife. As most of us know, this made the new wife angry and when her daughter danced for Herod, she so pleased him that he told her he would give her whatever she wanted, even up to half of his kingdom. Her mother told her to ask for the head of John on a platter. The King was dismayed but he granted their wish and John was beheaded.
When John was put in prison he had some very low moments. I used to think that he was a saint from beginning to end but we find him asking the question, "Is Jesus really the Messiah or should we look for another?" (Luke 7:19). In other word, John was asking, "Why am I in prison? Why aren't you using your power to get me out if you are the Messiah?" His words sound almost like a taunt to Jesus. He is disillusioned, disappointed and distraught. We can only imagine what the prison was like.
Jesus response to John's disciples, (who had asked the question for John) was, "Go back and tell John what you've seen and heard - the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him: God blesses those who do not run away because of me." (Luke 7:22-23).
Hidden in Jesus words is a promise, "Those who aren't offended by me are BLESSED". Yet I look at John's life and I think, "How was he blessed? He was in prison! He was beheaded!"
I believe that once John heard the words of Jesus, he repented of his doubt. He may have repented with tears and as he did, I believe that peace came down and flooded his soul. He was restored to right relationship with His heavenly Father. He now had supernatural strength to face what was just ahead. I wonder if he may have seen visions of his heavenly home to come. His heart may have been flooded with joy. I believe the Father held him in his arms when he was beheaded and escorted him lovingly to his new home.
Herod was tortured by his deed and believed that John came back in the form of Jesus. I think it is interesting to note that Jesus had nothing to do with the Kings and rulers of this world (other than during his trial and crucifixion). Here He was, the one true King and he went to fishermen and prostitutes.
John's disciples went and told Jesus that John was dead. Even though Jesus may have known this was going to happen, he still had all the emotions of a man. I believe that this news impacted him greatly. He loved John. I'm sure He would have loved to have used his power to free him from prison but Jesus only did what the Father told him to do - John 5:19. Now his friend, his cousin, the man he loved was dead. When Jesus heard the news He immediately went away to be alone. (Matthew 14:13). But the crowds followed him, over 5000 of them and He chose to serve them rather than go into "me" time. He healed them; He fed them; and He loved them. That same night He sent them all home and insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake. (Matthew 14:22). Finally, He was alone. Oh the mixture of emotion He was have had! As a man - he'd just lost one of his best friends and that man had doubted him, been hurt by him and then beheaded!
I wonder if Jesus was able to speak to John - now in paradise? Or did Jesus see him in glory? Did John smile at Jesus and say, "I'm so sorry I misunderstood you! The pain was all worth it! I love you Jesus, my King and my Lord!"
Did Jesus weep alone - experiencing for us the sorrow of loss and rejection? The bible says that He understands everything that we go through. Did Jesus have moments of confusion and doubt?
I believe that in the final moments of Jesus night time prayer and struggles, He came away refreshed and victorious! He had prayed till 2:30 or 3:00am as the bible records in Matthew 14:25 that it was at 3am that Jesus came towards the boat where His disciples were afraid and caught in a strong storm. Maybe He was so HIGH and so FILLED with the glory of God and so blessed to "SEE" John in glory that in His joy he walked on water to the disciples in the boat! I imagine His sweetness and his heart saying to his friends, "Don't be afraid! I'm here!"
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