John is the one sent by God to raise the valleys and lower the mountains. He exalts the lowly and brings down those in high places. Jesus is the great leveler. No one has an exclusive hold on his grace and love.
Sometimes we need to be taken down a notch or two. We may be too puffed-up for our own good, and certainly for the good of others. Other times we may need a word of grace, hope, encouragement, and affirmation. Jesus provides that. Whether it is the form of Jesus calling the Jews whitewashed tombs, or telling Zacchaeus he must go to his house (even before Zacchaeus repented!), that's what Jesus does. And John is paving the way for Jesus' ministry. He did that so that people would see the salvation of God. And we see that best on the level ground at the foot of Jesus' cross.
