The demand for confession of sin seemed new and startling. It was long since Israel had had a prophet, long since such a reformation as was now in progress had been witnessed. They were now called to mind by the excitement concerning the ministry of John. In the tumults and changes of thirty years, these things had in a great measure been lost sight of. There were some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the temple, and the father's prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the Messiah's herald. The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's work. Though now subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised a strong influence in civil as well as religious matters. In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin was the supreme court of the nation, possessing secular as well as ecclesiastical authority.

Their place of meeting was an apartment connected with the temple at Jerusalem. They were to be without physical blemish, and must be married men, and fathers, as being more likely than others to be humane and considerate. All its members were to be men advanced in years, though not aged men of learning, not only versed in Jewish religion and history, but in general knowledge. The high priest was usually the president. This body was made up of members chosen from the priesthood, and from the chief rulers and teachers of the nation. Though he had not deferred to them, the Sanhedrin accounted that, as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction. The interest in his work seemed to be continually increasing. John had not recognized the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work and he had reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees alike. The danger of insurrection caused every popular gathering to be looked upon with suspicion by the Romans, and whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited the fears of the Jewish rulers. The preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation as to demand the attention of the religious authorities. Would not He who had wrought so wonderfully in ages past again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the thought stirring the hearts of the people who daily thronged the banks of the Jordan. The memory of these events was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to the Baptist's message. A little distance from here the stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven.

It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the river in its flow until Israel had passed over.

John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara, beyond Jordan.

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