Why does Jesus wait for John the Baptist’s death before beginning his public ministry?

The way that Matthew 4:12 describes John’s arrest by Herod Antipas is striking. In the original Greek it says that John was handed over. As far as we know, John was not betrayed nor delivered by others. A passive verb form, such as the one used here, is often used to indicate the actions of God himself. We can therefore interpret this as God delivering his prophet into the hands of Herod Antipas himself. John’s own Commissioner brings this herald’s public ministry to an end. This therefore serves as a signal for Jesus once he hears it. John preached about the One who is coming after me. He will baptize with the Spirit (Matthew 3:11–12). Now that the predecessor is being withdrawn by God, the moment arrives when the central figure—the One whom John had announced, must make his appearance.¹ Jesus’ hour arrived once the ministry of John the Baptist ended. He could not minister while John was still active, since John had to prepare the way (see John 3:22–36). During the first period of his public ministry Jesus therefore specifically preached in Galilee.²

John the Baptist had earlier called on the people to prepare the way for the Lord, as the Lord was coming to his people (Matthew 3:3,Matthew 3:11–12). Now that his work is complete, Jesus, as John’s successor, can begin his ministry, through which it is revealed that the Lord has indeed finally come to the people. While John’s ministry was limited to proclaiming the coming of the kingdom, Jesus, as a teacher sent by God, not only instructs the people by teaching from Scripture, but actually fulfills the prophecies themselves.³