John the Baptist
Also: John the Forerunner
The prophet who prepared the way and baptised Jesus in the Jordan.
- Knew Jesus personally
- Martyr
Awaiting theological review
Who was John the Baptist?
Son of the priest Zachary and of Elizabeth, born in their old age. He preached repentance in the desert of Judea, baptised in the Jordan, and pointed his own disciples to Jesus. Imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas, he was beheaded. Jesus said that among those born of women none was greater.
The story
His birth announced to Zachary in the Temple
Leaps in Elizabeth's womb when Mary arrives
Born and named John; Zachary's song
Preaches repentance in the desert
What did John the Baptist mean by repentance? →Baptises Jesus in the Jordan
Why was Jesus baptised if he had no sin? →Points his disciples to Jesus, the Lamb of God
He must increase, I must decrease
From prison, asks: are you the one who is to come?
Beheaded at Herod's order
What we know — and how
Scripture tells us
- His parents were the priest Zachary and Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary.(Luke 1:5–7; Luke 1:36)
- He wore camel's hair and a leather girdle and ate locusts and wild honey.(Matthew 3:4)
- Andrew was one of his disciples before following Jesus.(John 1:35–40)
- Jesus said that none born of women was greater than John, and identified him with the Elijah who was to come; John himself denied being Elijah.(Matthew 11:7–14; John 1:19–23)
- Herod Antipas imprisoned him for condemning his marriage to Herodias and had him beheaded.(Mark 6:17–29)
Tradition holds
- The Church celebrates his birth (24 June) as well as his martyrdom (29 August) — besides Jesus, only Mary and John have their births on the universal calendar.Source: General Roman Calendar
- Many Fathers held that he was sanctified before birth, reading Luke 1:15 and 1:41 together.Source: Patristic interpretation; detailed sources pending review
Historians debate
- The Jewish historian Josephus also tells of John's preaching and his execution by Herod, naming the fortress of Machaerus and giving a political motive.
- Whether John had any contact with the community at Qumran; similarities exist, but no evidence connects them directly.
Unknown
- His exact age, the length of his ministry and the date of his death.
Virtues
- Humility
- Courage
- Austerity
- Truthfulness
- Pointing others to Christ
Failures
- Moments of doubt — an honest question from prison
Why John the Baptist matters
John shows what every witness is for: to point away from oneself to Jesus. His greatness is his willingness to decrease, and his courage cost him his life.
Related people
- Mary, Mother of Jesus — His mother's kinswoman
- Andrew — His disciple, who followed Jesus
Places
Hill country of Judea · Desert of Judea · River Jordan · Bethania beyond the Jordan · Machaerus (Josephus)
Interactive map coming in a later phase.