by John Ferris

John the Baptist was a wild- looking man,

With his camel- hair coat and his desert tan,

His food was dried locusts dipped in wild honey,

A common food then for those without money.

He preached in the wilderness of Judea,

Multitudes came from far and near,

To hear his message of salvation,

Baptism, repentance and preparation.

Make the way straight, was his often cry,

For the One who is coming, behold it’s not I,

Even His sandals, I’m not worthy to loose.

(Preaching like this can lead to abuse. )

The abuse was forthcoming from Pharisees,

Not far behind, the corrupt Sadducees,

They held the sway in religion and law,

Heaven knows what they were good for.

John accused, You guys are snakes,

Not only that, hypocrites and fakes,

You don’t have at all just what it takes,

Repent or you’re doomed to the fiery lakes.

God will sort out the wheat from the chaff,

He cuts out the goats with His shepherd’s staff,

You say you’re the seed, of Abraham,

Thinking like that got you into this jam.

The Lord can raise up the rocks and the stones,

He’s in charge of the Kings and their thrones,

Your place can be taken by those who believe,

Depart now vile serpents, find someone else to deceive.

Then Jesus came down to be baptized by John,

Who replied in clear terms it was surely not on,

It was he who should be cleansed at the hand of the Lord,

Not the other way round as it seemed untoward.

But Jesus prevailed at the Jordan that day,

As he rose from the water, the Father did say,

In a Heavenly voice, as the Spirit on to Him eased,

This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.