The principle of the Baptist's own life of self-abnegation was the principle of the Messiah's kingdom. John well knew how foreign all this was to the principles and hopes of the leaders in Israel. That which was to him convincing evidence of Christ's divinity would be no evidence to them. They were looking for a Messiah who had not been promised. John saw that the Saviour's mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation. He, the forerunner, was but drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain to its dregs.

Grundtanken i Døberens eget selvopofrende liv var den samme som grundtanken i Messias' kongedømme. Johannes vidste godt,hvor fremmed alt dette var for Israels ledende mænds principper og forhåbninger. Det, som for ham var et overbevisende vidnesbyrd om Kristi guddommelighed, ville ikke være noget bevis for dem. De spejdede efter en Messias, som ikke var blevet dem lovet. Johannes så, at Frelserens virksomhed kun kunne afvinde dem had og fordømmelse. Han, som var forløberen, drak blot af den kalk, som Kristus selv måtte tømme til bunds.