In brief
John the Baptist is the son of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth, born shortly before Jesus, around 6 BC by the usual reckoning. He preaches in the Judean desert, calls for repentance and baptizes in the Jordan. He points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, then steps aside before him. Herod has him imprisoned and then beheaded after he denounces his sin.
What does the name John the Baptist mean?
John renders a Hebrew name generally linked to "the Lord is gracious." The Bible states in Luke 1:13 that the angel tells Zechariah to name him John, a name none of his relatives bore.
The story of John the Baptist
A Birth Foretold
Luke 1:5-25Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth have no child and are advanced in years. In the temple, the angel Gabriel announces to Zechariah that Elizabeth will bear him a son, whom he is to call John. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb and will prepare a people ready for the Lord.
Preaching in the Desert
Matthew 3:1-12John appears in the Judean desert. Dressed in camel hair, he preaches: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. He baptizes in the Jordan those who confess their sins. He asks for fruit worthy of repentance and announces that the one coming after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Witness to the Light
John 1:19-34Questioned by the envoys from Jerusalem, John says he is neither the Christ nor Elijah, but a voice crying in the desert. Seeing Jesus coming, he exclaims: behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He testifies that he saw the Spirit descend on him.
Decreasing So Christ May Increase
John 3:25-30John's disciples are troubled to see Jesus baptizing and drawing the crowd. John answers that he is not the Christ, but the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at his voice. He concludes that Jesus must increase and he must decrease, a word of complete humility.
Imprisonment and Death
Mark 6:17-29John rebukes Herod for taking his brother's wife. Herod has him chained, though he fears him and gladly listens to him. At a banquet, Herodias' daughter pleases the king, who has sworn to grant whatever she asks. On her mother's advice, she demands John's head.
What John the Baptist teaches us
- Being a faithful witness means directing eyes toward Jesus, not toward oneself.
- True repentance is recognized by its fruit, not only by words.
- Humility accepts decreasing so that Christ may increase.
- Telling the truth can cost dearly, but God honors the faithfulness of his servants.
Key verses
Seeing Jesus coming toward him, John exclaims: behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is the heart of his testimony.
John says that Jesus must increase and he must decrease. This word sums up his calling as forerunner and his humility.
John asks his listeners to bear fruit worthy of repentance, that is, a change of life that can plainly be seen.
Sermons about John the Baptist
- John the Baptist: Decreasing So Christ Can IncreaseA sermon on the humility of John the Baptist, who accepts decreasing so that Christ may increase.
- What John the Baptist Would Tell You to DoA sermon on John the Baptist's call to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
- John the Baptist: Three Marks of a Life That Points to JesusA sermon on three marks of a life that, like John the Baptist's, points to Jesus.
- When John the Baptist Doubted: A Question Rooted in FaithA sermon on John the Baptist's doubts in prison, and his question presented as an act of faith.
Frequently asked questions
Why did God choose John the Baptist?
God set him apart before his birth to prepare the coming of the Lord. The angel announces him in Luke 1:15-17. He describes him as a man filled with the Holy Spirit who will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord, in the spirit of Elijah.
What does the name John mean?
John renders a Hebrew name generally linked to "the Lord is gracious." In Luke 1:13, the angel tells Zechariah to call him that. This name departs from family custom, as the relatives point out in Luke 1:59-63.
Where can I find the story of John the Baptist in the Bible?
His birth is told in Luke 1. His ministry appears in Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3 and John 1. His death is recounted in Mark 6 and Matthew 14, and Jesus speaks of him in Matthew 11.