Many Jews from all strata of society came to hear God’s voice in the desert and were baptized. Many heard and did not accept John’s testimony. “We have Abraham as our Father,” they argued. They meant that they had permanent and privileged status because of their family tree. The Apostle John started his gospel account with, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:11-13)
John the Baptist includes, “For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” I am a stone made into a child for Abraham. The Lord God told Abraham, “Look up and count the stars if you can. Look down and count the sand if you can. I will give you more children than these.” (I paraphrased). I am a grain of sand, I am a distant star, I am a stone made into a son.
