True Education

Jonathan and John the Baptist

The names of Jonathan and of John the Baptist stand with those who through self-sacrifice entered into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. TEd 93.6

Jonathan was by birth heir to the throne, although he knew he had been set aside by the divine decree. He was a most tender and faithful friend to his rival, David, shielding his life at the peril of his own. He also stood steadfast at his father’s side through the dark days of his declining power, and at the end fell at his side. The name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and on earth it is a witness to the existence and power of unselfish love. TEd 93.7

John the Baptist at his appearance as the Messiah’s herald, stirred the nation. From place to place his steps were followed by vast throngs of people of every rank and station. But all was changed when the One came to whom he had borne witness. The crowds followed Jesus, and John’s work seemed fast closing. Yet there was no wavering of his faith. “He must increase,” he said, “but I must decrease.” John 3:30. TEd 94.1

Time passed, and the kingdom that John had confidently expected was not established. In Herod’s dungeon, cut off from life-giving air and the desert freedom, he waited and watched. TEd 94.2

There was no display of swords, no rending of prison doors; but the healing of the sick, the preaching of the gospel, the uplifting of human souls, testified to Christ’s mission. TEd 94.3

Alone in the dungeon, seeing the direction his path, like his Master’s, tended, John accepted the trust—fellowship with Christ in sacrifice. Heaven’s messengers ministered to him as he went to the grave. The intelligences of the universe, fallen and unfallen, witnessed his vindication of unselfish service. TEd 94.4

And in all the generations that have passed since then, suffering souls have been sustained by the testimony of John’s life. In the dungeon, on the scaffold, in the flames, men and women through centuries of darkness have been strengthened by the memory of him of whom Christ declared, “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11. TEd 94.5