Who Was John the Baptist?

Jun 28,2025 00:00

Who Was John the Baptist?

John the Baptist stands at the crossroads of Old and New Testaments as the herald of Christ. He called Israel to repentance, baptized in the Jordan River, and pointed all hearts toward the coming Messiah.

Birth and Calling

Born to elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1), John’s miraculous entry into the world signaled a return of prophetic expectancy. From youth, he was “filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15).

Wilderness Ministry

  • Attire and Message: Clothed in camel’s hair, he preached “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 3:1–2).
  • Baptism of Jesus: He recognized Jesus as “the Lamb of God” when Christ came to him, affirming Jesus’ identity (John 1:29–34).

Legacy and Martyrdom

John’s fearless witness cost him his life under Herod Antipas. Jesus honored him as the greatest born of women (Matt 11:11), yet John’s true glory was pointing beyond himself to Christ.

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