John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And the people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:4-6

Jesus probably began as a follower of John. However, John's fiery language got him into trouble when he condemned the local ruler Herod Antipas for divorcing his wife and marrying his brother's wife. You know the story: his stepdaughter danced provocatively and, as a reward, Herod presented Salome with John's head on a platter. (Matthew 14:1-11)
Theologian John Dominic Crossan claims that Jesus learned an important lesson from his mentor. John had a monopoly that died with him, but Jesus established franchise, preparing his followers to spread his message of love and forgiveness after he was no longer with them.
The Franklin Federated Church is part of this franchise and we are called to continue to spread Jesus' message in our world.

Lenten Devotion
March 22, 2021