John the Baptist is a compeling figure. He commands our respect and deserves our attention. He feared . .

neither Herod Agrippa, nor Herodias, nor the religious leadrs of the day. He was unsparing of the Pharisees and Sadducees, yet so king do the "sinners" who come to him. His sincerity and forthrightness leap from the page, as does his humilty and austere example. Hi is unique amoung the servants of God, and he received the highest possible praise from Jesus.