Fragments from Reimarus

SECTION III.

The rest of the actions of Jesus are consistent with this intention.*
His cousin, John the Baptist, had already sharpened the ears of the people, and although his words had been somewhat cryptic, he had still pointed out quite distinctly that it was upon Jesus that they should build their hopes. At the same time, John acts as if he does not know Jesus, behaving as though he only became aware of his existence through divine revelation. He says to the people:—“I knew him not until he was revealed to Israel, therefore have I come to baptise with water. . . . I knew him not, but He who sent me to baptise with water, the same spoke unto me saying: He upon whom thou seest the Spirit descend and remain, the same is he who baptises with the Holy Spirit; and I have seen this and bear witness that this one is the son of God.” Twice, then, John openly says that he did not know Jesus before his baptism.

But were they not cousins? Were their mothers not intimate friends who visited each other? Did not Jesus, when a boy, often travel to Jerusalem with his relatives and friends, so that John, who was about his own age and on the same path, must surely have maintained his acquaintance

• Namely, that of establishing his worldly kingdom.