We are the unimportant. Those who live day to day, without much hope for tomorrow. We listen to prophets, longing to hear of a life, any life, better than what we have. We are stepped on by Romans and puppet kings. If the empire desecrating our land were not here, another would be. And we watch him. The authorities seem curious. Why does this one stand waist deep in the water and baptize? Why does he call out to the crowds, demanding they repent, claiming he straightens a path for one greater? “Who are you?” One of the priests shouts for a second time. “I am not the Messiah,” the Baptist answers. A few amongst the repentant step out of the water, onto the shore. Their hope for a kingdom renewed in David’s name momentarily crushed. “Are you Elijah then?” “I am not.” The Baptist pauses before stepping into water less deep. His wet garments clung to his torso. “Neither am I a prophet, but I will tell you who I am.” He is on the shore no