In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had dared to face King Herod with the plain rebuke of sin. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven.

Døberen havde virket i sit kald som en frygtløs revser af synd, både hos høje og lave. Han havde vovet at stille kong Herodes ansigt til ansigt med en klar irettesættelse for hans synd. Han havde ikke regnet sit eget liv for dyrebart, hvis han kunne udføre det hverv, der var blevet ham tildelt. Og nu spejdede han fra sit fangehul efter løven af Judas stamme, der skulle nedbryde undertrykkerens hovmod og udfri de fattige og den, der råbte om hjælp. Men Jesus lod til at være tilfreds med at samle disciple om sig og med at helbrede og lære folket. Han spiste ved toldernes bord, medens det romerske åg hver dag hvilede tungt på Israel, medens kong Herodes og hans onde elskerinde gjorde, hvad de havde lyst til, og de fattiges og lidendes råb steg op mod himmelen.