John the Baptist was a preacher and a major religious figure mentioned within the Gospels of the New Testament.
According to the Gospels, he baptized many people in the river of Jordan and often foretold of Jesus’ coming.
Because of this, many of Jesus’ followers started out as followers of John.
Here are a few more facts and Interesting things about John the Baptist.
John the Baptist’s parents were Zacharias and Elizabeth.
According to the Gospel of Luke, Elizabeth was barren due to her age.
The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias whilst in a temple, and told him that Elizabeth would bear a child. Zacharias did not believe what he had been told, and therefore because of his disbelief, the Angel Gabriel made him mute.
The name “John” was given to Elizabeth’s child by an angel sent by God.
It is believed that John was born around six months before Jesus was.
It is commonly believed that John was the second cousin to Jesus.
John lived in the desert until the beginning of his ministry.
John baptized Jewish people in the river Jordan on their confession of their sins.
According to the Gospels in the New Testament, John baptized Jesus himself in the river Jordan. Jesus’ baptism then started the beginning of His ministry.
Jesus declared that no greater man than John had been born of a woman.
Herodias asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and sadly her wish was granted, and he was beheaded in 31AD.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) teach that modern revelation confirms the biblical account of John the Baptist, and teaches things that were left out of the Bible Things such as being ordained by an angel when he was just 8 days old to prepare a way for Jesus.
Mormons also believe that on May 15, 1829, appeared as a resurrected being to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood.
John is also seen as a Prophet in Islam. Muslims believe that John was a witness to the word of God, and a messenger to tell the people of the coming of Jesus. His father, Zechariah is also seen as Islamic Prophet.
Islamic tradition states that John was one of the Prophets that Muhammad met on the night of the Mi’raj, his ascension through the seven heavens. It is said that both John the Baptist and Jesus were in the second heaven.