John the Baptist Forerunner of the Messiah

Q: Why did Jesus say John was the greatest born of women?

John had the unique privilege of being the forerunner of the Messiah, the one who prepared Israel for Jesus' coming. He was the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah returning (Malachi 4:5). Yet Jesus added that the least in the kingdom is greater—because kingdom citizens have what John only anticipated.

New Testament

About John the Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, cousin of Jesus. He preached in the wilderness and baptized in the Jordan to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He baptized Jesus and proclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God." He was beheaded by Herod at Salome's request.

John the Baptist's Character Traits

ProphetForerunnerBoldHumble

John the Baptist's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Miraculous Birthc. 6-5 BC

John is born to elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth.

LUK 1:57-66

Wilderness Yearsc. AD 5-26

John lives in the wilderness until his public ministry.

LUK 1:80

Ministry Beginsc. AD 26-27

John preaches repentance and baptizes in the Jordan.

MAT 3:1-6

Baptizes Jesusc. AD 27

John baptizes Jesus; the Spirit descends like a dove.

MAT 3:13-17

Points to Jesusc. AD 27

John declares Jesus is the Lamb of God.

JHN 1:29-34

Imprisonmentc. AD 28

Herod imprisons John for condemning his marriage.

MAT 14:3-4

Executionc. AD 29

John is beheaded at Herod's birthday feast.

MAT 14:6-12

John the Baptist's Key Relationships

Jesus ChristFamily

Cousin and Forerunner - John prepared the way for Jesus.

John the Baptist's Key Locations

Jordan River

Where John baptized and preached.

The Wilderness

Where John lived and ministered.

Spiritual Lessons from John the Baptist

Humble Decrease

John said 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' At the height of his popularity, John pointed away from himself to Jesus. True ministry points others to Christ, not to ourselves. Success is measured by how well we direct others to Jesus.