Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • c. 6 BC to AD 28-30
John the Baptist
Voice in the WildernessThe forerunner who prepared the way of the Lord and introduced the Lamb of God
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:30 (KJV)
Overview
John the Baptist is the final prophet of the Old Testament order and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. His birth was announced by Gabriel to his father Zechariah in the temple. He ministered in the wilderness of Judea, baptizing those who repented and calling people to prepare for the one coming after him. Jesus called him the greatest of those born of women. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. He was imprisoned by Herod Antipas for publicly condemning the king's unlawful marriage and was beheaded at the request of Herodias's daughter.
Gospel Connection
John the Baptist's entire life was a signpost pointing to Jesus Christ. The moment of his greatest ministry was the moment he pointed away from himself and said, 'Behold the Lamb of God.' His decrease was not a failure. It was the purpose. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is the one John saw, the one he baptized, the one he introduced, and the one on whose behalf he ultimately gave his life. John's death in Herod's prison, while Jesus continued his ministry, is a picture of what it means to lay down one's life in service of the King whose kingdom does not need you to survive in order to advance.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.