John the Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, born to prepare the way for the Lord. He preached repentance in the wilderness and baptized many in the Jordan River, including Jesus himself. He pointed to Christ as the Lamb of God and was later put to death by Herod.

• Also known as: The Baptist, Forerunner, Voice in the Wilderness
• Role: Forerunner of Christ
• Key Scripture: Luke 1:13-17, Matthew 3:1-6, John 1:29-34

Go deeper in My Daily Bread

Read John the Baptist's full story, the people and places connected to it, and how it speaks into today's readings.