John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apocalyptic figure known as the ‘Son of Man

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Azahari Hassim

The excerpt below is sourced from Peake’s Commentary on the Bible:

John the Baptist, however, an ascetic in both dress and habit of life, spoke with a ring of authority like that of the old prophets of Israel. It seems clear that John had no developed theological or ethical message to present to his people. At best he was merely a voice crying in the wilderness who exemplified the spirit of Elijah, the prophet whose coming again was anticipated in popular belief before the great and terrible day of the Lord’ (Malachi 4:5; Mark 9:12). John was an apocalyptic figure announcing the near approach of God’s judgment on men’s sins and proclaiming a baptism of repentance unto remission of sins in preparation therefor.

The baptism by John in running water was an apocalyptic sacrament that to his mind symbolised the genuine baptism in the stream of fire issuing from the throne of God, which the ’Coming One’ proclaimed by him would administer (see Carl H. Kraeling, John the Baptist (1951), 118-122). John never applied the term ‘Messiah to the Coming One whom he announced. This Coming One was to act as judge of men, sorting out the chaff from the wheat on the threshing-floor of judgment in his time, and the figure who most nearly fits this description is that, not of the Messiah as popularly conceived, but rather of the ‘Son of Man’ of 1 Enoch 37-71, who comes for judgment rather than for the salvation of the people of God.

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The phrase “Son of Man” has been a source of significant debate among scholars, particularly regarding whether Jesus used it to refer to himself or to someone else. Here are some reasons why certain scholars argue that the “Son of Man” in Jesus’ parables and teachings could refer to someone other than Jesus himself:

1. Third-Person Language:
   In many instances, Jesus speaks about the “Son of Man” in the third person, rather than directly identifying himself with the title. This detachment can suggest he is speaking of another figure. For example, in passages like Matthew 24, verses 27 to 30, Jesus describes the coming of the Son of Man with great power and glory, which some interpret as a future figure distinct from himself.
2. Jewish Apocalyptic Tradition:
   The term “Son of Man” has roots in Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly in the Book of Daniel (7, verse 13 to 14), where “one like a son of man” appears as a heavenly figure given dominion and authority by God. In this context, the “Son of Man” is seen as a messianic or eschatological figure who plays a central role in God’s final judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Some scholars argue that Jesus may have been referring to this separate, messianic or eschatological figure rather than to himself.
3. Jesus’ Use of the Term:
   Jesus often used the “Son of Man” title in ambiguous or enigmatic ways, which may reflect his intention to describe a transcendent figure rather than himself. For example, in Mark 8, verse 38, Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming “in the glory of his Father with the holy angels,” a portrayal that aligns with Jewish expectations of a messianic or eschatological figure.
4. Theological Development in the Gospels:
   Some scholars suggest that the Gospel writers, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), may have retroactively identified Jesus with the “Son of Man” figure to emphasize his role as the Messiah and judge. In other words, the original sayings of Jesus might have referred to a different eschatological figure, but later Christian theology reinterpreted the phrase to apply to Jesus himself.
5. Differences in Early Christian Traditions:
   There is evidence of diverse interpretations of the “Son of Man” within early Christian communities. Some groups may have understood Jesus to be pointing to an external figure who would fulfill apocalyptic roles, while others equated Jesus directly with the “Son of Man.” This diversity reflects the theological fluidity of the term in the first century.
6. Passages Suggesting Distinction:
   In passages like Luke 12, verses 8 to 9, Jesus states that “the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God those who acknowledge him.” This phrasing could imply a distinction between Jesus and the Son of Man, as Jesus refers to someone else who will perform this act.

Conclusion:

The debate hinges on whether Jesus’ use of the term was self-referential or pointed to an external, divine figure. Scholars who argue for a distinction highlight the third-person language, Jewish apocalyptic background, and potential theological developments in the Gospels. This ambiguity leaves room for varied interpretations of one of the most complex and debated aspects of Jesus’ teachings.

Who Was John the Baptist in the Context of Judaism?

John the Baptist (Yochanan the Immerser in Hebrew)

Heritage and Family Background:

John the Baptist was born into a Jewish priestly family. His father, Zechariah, served as a priest in the Temple, which positions John within the religious elite of ancient Jewish society. This priestly lineage provided him with a deeply rooted connection to Jewish religious practices and customs.

Jewish Context of His Ministry:

John’s ministry took place within the context of Second Temple Judaism. He practiced and preached in the same cultural and religious milieu that was characterized by various Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. His teachings were steeped in Jewish traditions and scripture.

Call for Repentance and Ritual Immersion:

He is known for his call for repentance, urging people to return to God and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John emphasized the importance of spiritual renewal and moral rectification. His practice of ritual immersion (Tevilah) served as a symbol of purification, and it was a well-established Jewish practice to cleanse oneself in water as part of repentance rituals.

Adherence to Jewish Religious Framework:

Throughout his life and ministry, John operated entirely within the Jewish religious framework of his time. His teachings and actions were aligned with Jewish Law (Halacha) and the prophetic traditions of the Hebrew Bible. He did not advocate for the creation of a new religious system but rather sought to reform and renew Jewish faith and practice.

Judaism’s Perspective on John the Baptist:

In Jewish tradition, John the Baptist is not recognized as a prophet. While his role as a preacher and reformer is acknowledged, Judaism does not view him as a divinely appointed prophet akin to figures such as Moses, Isaiah, or Jeremiah. The criteria for prophethood in Judaism are specific and include direct revelation from God, which John does not fulfill according to traditional Jewish beliefs.

Conclusion:

In summary, John the Baptist is regarded as a significant religious figure within the context of Judaism, recognized for his calls to repentance and his role as a precursor to Jesus in Christian tradition. However, he is firmly rooted in the Jewish religious context and is not considered the founder of a new faith or as a prophet in Judaism.

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