Aug 29th - John The Baptist

What did John know and when did he know it?
What motivated him? Was he in a position, as the son of a religious official, to see corruption or misuse of power? Was he affected by insincerity or hypocrisy? Was he impressed by the holiness of his father and those around him? What drove him out into the desert to practice the priestly role of his family?
Was his relationship with Jesus greater than his responsibilities to the priesthood? Was he affected by discussions with Jesus about how to live?
The Scriptures are mute on such things, but I wonder about them all the same. What we do know is that when Jesus is around John, John defers to him immediately. One assumes that his "yes" echoes Mary's "let it be done" and Joseph's silent obedience, and that his response and preaching reflected his relationship with and commitment to the truth that is Jesus.

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R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.
Behind me and before, you hem me in
and rest your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
too lofty for me to attain.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

-- Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6