John John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. His name came from his ministry of baptizing people who were returning to the ways of God. His life was prophesied about hundreds of years before his birth. He had a specific task: to preach repentance and to baptize people in preparation for the coming of the Son of God. While in prison, John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus reassured John that he was indeed the Savior of the world. Herod beheaded John the Baptist. Apparently Jesus Christ had a special bond with John son of Zebedee. Jesus chose this disciple, along with Peter and John's brother James, to be with him for more intense times of teaching. They witnessed more miracles than the other disciples did, and they were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John at the cross. John became one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. He wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2 and 3 John and the book of Revelation. John the Baptist is a witness to Jesus Christ's
coming and his power. |