Judea under Roman rule · ministry around AD 28-29
John the Baptist in the Bible
The forerunner of the Messiah. Name meaning: John: “The LORD is gracious”; “Baptist”: the one who baptizes
The son of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth, John is born miraculously six months before Jesus. Dressed in camel’s hair, he preaches repentance in the wilderness and baptizes in the Jordan to prepare the way of the Lord, as Isaiah and Malachi had foretold. He baptizes Jesus, points to him as “the Lamb of God,” and steps aside for him, before being beheaded by Herod. Jesus said of him that among those born of women there was none greater.
Key moments
- Gabriel announces his birth to Zechariah Luke 1:13
- Leaps in Elizabeth’s womb Luke 1:41
- The word of God comes to him in the wilderness Luke 3:2
- Baptizes Jesus in the Jordan Matthew 3:13–15
- “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” John 1:29
- “He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30
- Sends to ask Jesus if he is the one who should come Matthew 11:2–3
- Beheaded in Herod’s prison Mark 6:27–28
Strengths
- Humility
- Prophetic courage
- A consecrated, simple life
- Christ-centered witness
- Faithfulness unto death
Weaknesses
In prison, John went through an hour of doubt and sent word to Jesus asking whether he was really “he that should come” (Matt 11:3). Jesus did not condemn him: he answered with his works, then praised him publicly (Matt 11:4-11).
Lessons for today
- A true servant steps aside so that Christ can be seen: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
- Repentance proves itself by concrete fruit: sharing, honesty, contentment (Luke 3:8-14).
- Telling the truth to the powerful can cost a lot, but faithfulness to God comes before safety (Mark 6:18).
- In doubt, take your questions to Jesus himself and look at his works (Matt 11:2-5).
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
People around John the Baptist
- Zechariah and Elizabeth — His parents, a priest and a descendant of Aaron
- Mary — Mother of Jesus, relative of Elizabeth
- Jesus — The Messiah whose way he prepared and whom he baptized
- Elijah — The prophet in whose spirit and power he came
- Herod the tetrarch — Ruler of Galilee who imprisoned him and then had him beheaded
- Herodias — Philip’s wife, whom Herod married; she brought about John’s death
Stories with John the Baptist
Quiz: how well do you know John the Baptist?
Who were John the Baptist’s parents?
The angel told Zechariah, “thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” Luke 1:13
What did John the Baptist eat in the wilderness?
Dressed in camel’s hair, John’s “meat was locusts and wild honey.” Matthew 3:4
In which river did John baptize the crowds?
The crowds came from Jerusalem and Judea, “and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:5–6
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.