The Bible records that John came neither eating nor drinking.
John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say he hath a devil. (Matthew 11:18, Luke 7:33)
John’s abstention is not about physical deprivation. In the story, it shows that he represents the existing state of consciousness, preparing the way for the new identity to appear in the narrative.
The phrase “they say he hath a devil” reflects how other parts of identity misunderstood John’s abstention, perceiving his focus on the current state as strange or threatening, though it simply marks his preparatory role in the story.
He maintains the current state, allowing the next stage to emerge fully. The emergence of the new identity, embodied in Jesus, is then made clear and manifest in the story.
Emergence of the New Identity
The story shows the progression from John’s preparatory role to the appearance of Jesus as the assumed identity:
-
Now Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph. (Luke 3:23)
-
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. (Matthew 3:16)
-
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. (Luke 4:14)
John’s Role in the Story
John’s abstention ensures that the new identity appears clearly and without confusion. Others may misinterpret him, saying he has a devil, but his role is essential: he holds the existing state so the story can progress.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:3)
How the Narrative Unfolds
The sequence in the story can be seen as:
- John maintains the existing state:
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:3)
- The new identity emerges:
Now Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph. (Luke 3:23)
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. (Matthew 3:16)
- The identity is manifested and established:
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. (Luke 4:14)
Conclusion
John’s choice to neither eat nor drink is a deliberate pause in the story, ensuring the conditions are ready for the emergence of the new identity. His role clears the path, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally and the story’s sequence of emergence and manifestation to be clearly observed.
