John the Baptist 

John the Baptist was a distant cousin to Jesus. He was born in 7 BCE to Zacharias, a member of the Jewish priesthood, and Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary, the mother of Jesus. John spent his early years in the hill country of Judea, where he developed a deep love for nature and a strong sense of moral duty. He became a preacher of righteousness and called for a spiritual revival among the Jews. John's teachings and his baptism of repentance prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. John was eventually arrested and beheaded by Herod Antipas.

John the Baptist was born on March 25, 7 BCE to Zacharias, a member of the Jewish priesthood, and Elizabeth, who was related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and announced that she would bear a son who would prepare the way for a divine teacher, and that Mary would give birth to this teacher. Zacharias was skeptical of the news but eventually became convinced that his wife would give birth to a son of destiny. Mary visited Elizabeth before the birth of both John and Jesus, and they discussed the future of their sons.

John visited Jesus and the Nazareth family when he was just over six years old. After this visit, his parents began to educate him systematically since there was no synagogue school in their village. John's parents were both from the priesthood, and since he was their only child, they spent a lot of time on his mental and spiritual training. John's family raised sheep on their small farm, and Zacharias received an allowance from the temple funds dedicated to the priesthood.

At the age of 14, John took the formal Nazarite vow and went to Engedi with his parents, where he was solemnly inducted into the order for life. John returned home to tend his father's sheep and grew up to be a strong man with a noble character. At the age of 16, John became greatly impressed with the prophet Elijah and decided to adopt his style of dress. From that day on, John always wore a hairy garment with a leather girdle. His parents expected great things from him as their only son, a child of promise, and a Nazarite for life.

After a long illness, John's father Zacharias died in July of 12 CE when John was 18 years old. A few months later in September, John and his mother Elizabeth went to Nazareth to visit Mary and Jesus. John was almost ready to start his life's work when he was warned by Jesus' words and example to go back home, take care of his mother, and wait for the "coming of the Father's hour." John did not see Jesus again until the occasion of his baptism in the Jordan river.

After the visit, John tended his father's sheep and struggled to make ends meet. Eventually, he and his mother moved to Hebron, where John tended his sheep in the wilderness of Judea. John became friendly with the Nazarite brotherhood in Engedi, where he found a community of ascetic herdsmen who fraternized with the Nazarites. He struggled to fit in with the group, but he was close with Abner, the leader of the Engedi colony.

After the death of his mother in 22 CE, John continued on with his sheep in Engedi. Upon his study of the scriptures, in particular Elijah who left a lasting impression, he left in March 25 CE to herald the coming of the Messiah and begin his short career as a public preacher. Notwithstanding the half dozen different meanings of what and who the Messiah should be, all who heard John preach were intrigued by his proclamations of: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" and "Flee from the wrath to come!" He also baptized his believers "for the remission of sins" in the Jordan river.

Only fifteen months intervened between the time John began to preach and baptize, and his arrest and imprisonment at the instigation of Herod Antipas. But in this short time, he baptized over one hundred thousand individuals. John taught his followers about the new way of life they were entering. He advised teachers to go beyond just following the rules and also teach the meaning behind them. He urged the wealthy to share their resources with those who were less fortunate, and he advised tax collectors to only take what was owed to them. He also warned soldiers not to use their power to harm others or demand more than their rightful pay.

In December of 25 CE, John had become famous for his message of repentance and baptism, and his work was being talked about throughout all of Palestine. Jesus had spoken positively of John's message, causing many from Capernaum to join John's followers. James and John, the fishermen sons of Zebedee, had gone to be baptized by John and would bring back reports of his work to Jesus. Jesus' brothers, James and Jude, also planned to go to John for baptism, and they consulted with Jesus on the matter.

On Sunday, January 13, 26 CE, Jesus laid down his tools, removed his work apron, and merely announced to the three workmen in the room with him, “My hour has come.” He went out to his brothers James and Jude, repeating, “My hour has come—let us go to John.” And they started immediately for Pella, eating their lunch as they journeyed.

They arrived at John's site at the Jordan river at noon the following day. When Jesus and his two brothers took their places in this line of earnest men and women who had become believers in John's preaching of the coming kingdom, there were scores of people waiting in line. Although John had been seeking information about Jesus, he had not anticipated seeing him there, waiting to be baptized, and did not glance up to see Jesus until he stood nearby.

When John recognized Jesus, the ceremonies were paused for a brief moment as he greeted his cousin and inquired, "But why do you come down into the water to greet me?" "To be subject to your baptism," Jesus said. "But I need to be baptized by you," John said. "What brings you to me?" Jesus said to John, "Bear with me now, for it becomes us to set this example for my brothers standing here with me, and that the people may know that my hour has come." Jesus' voice had a tone of finality and authority to it and John was overcome with emotion as he made ready to baptize Jesus.

After baptizing Jesus and his two brothers, John dismissed the others for the day, announcing that he would begin baptisms the following day at noon. As the people were leaving, the four men heard a strange sound and saw an apparition appear immediately over Jesus' head. Then they heard a voice say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus' expression changed dramatically, and he left them in silence, heading toward the hills to the east. John said, "Now I know for a certainty that you are the Deliverer," as Jesus was leaving, but Jesus said nothing. And no one saw Jesus for forty days.

During Jesus’s sojourn in the desert, John preached for forty days and was visited by a deputation of priests and Pharisees from Jerusalem, who questioned him extensively on whether he was the Messiah or not, as well as what his concepts of the Messiah were. The forty days of waiting were difficult for John and he prayed for the return of Jesus and forbade his disciples from searching for him, trusting that God would guide his chosen son.

On the morning of February 23, 26 CE, as Jesus returned and approached John and his disciples, John saw him and stood on a rock and declared Jesus as the Son of God and the deliverer of the world. He described how he had come to prepare the way for Jesus and baptize with water, while Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. John had seen the divine spirit descending upon Jesus, and heard the voice of God declaring Jesus as his beloved son.

Jesus departed from John and his disciples early the next morning, returning to Galilee. In response to John's questions about his own teaching and mission, Jesus simply stated, "My Father will guide you now and in the future as he has in the past." And the two great men parted ways that morning, never to meet in person again.

Shortly after this, about one quarter of John’s immediate followers departed for Galilee to follow Jesus. There was a sadness of confusion about John. He never again preached as he had before baptizing Jesus. He somehow felt that the responsibility of the coming kingdom was no longer on his shoulders. He felt that his work was almost finished; he was disconsolate and lonely.

A few months later, in June, John made a memorable attack on Herod Antipas having taken another man's wife. Not long after, Herod decided to put John in prison.

John had a lonely and somewhat bitter experience in prison. Few of his followers were permitted to see him. He questioned why Jesus did nothing to release him, as even his disciples wondered the same thing. In fact, this experience was a great test of his faith in, and loyalty to, Jesus. When his disciples came and asked John why Jesus was not doing anything to rescue him from prison, John memorably said:

“This man can do nothing unless it has been given him by his Father in heaven. You well remember that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I am one sent on before to prepare the way for him.’ And that I did. He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom who stands near by and hears him rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This, my joy, therefore is fulfilled. He must increase but I must decrease. I am of this earth and have declared my message. Jesus of Nazareth comes down to the earth from heaven and is above us all. The Son of Man has descended from God, and the words of God he will declare to you. For the Father in heaven gives not the spirit by measure to his own Son. The Father loves his Son and will presently put all things in the hands of this Son. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. And these words which I speak are true and abiding.”

John's disciples were amazed by his pronouncement and left in silence. John was also agitated, perceiving he had uttered a prophecy. Although disappointed that Jesus did not help him escape from prison, John's faith in Jesus was strengthened. Before his death, John sent messengers to ask Jesus if his work was done. Jesus replied that he had not forgotten about him and that he shall be abundantly blessed in the age to come. This message comforted John and stabilized his faith before his tragic end.

The meeting of some of the apostles of John the Baptist and the apostles of Jesus in a marketplace led to a three-week conference at Gilboa camp between the two groups of apostles. During this conference, the apostles were in session three times a day for six days each week. Although Jesus was present in the first week of the conference and spoke to them three times, he refused to participate in their discussions. Andrew and Abner alternated in presiding over these joint meetings. The group had many difficulties to discuss, including the question of baptism, which was resolved as only the apostles of John would baptize believers, and only the apostles of Jesus would instruct them. It was also agreed that in the case of John’s death, his apostles would become subject to Jesus' direction, and they would baptize no more unless authorized by Jesus or his apostles.

During the conference, the group unanimously agreed on many other minor matters such as the adoption of the prayer that Jesus recently taught them. They also agreed that as long as John lived, both groups of twelve apostles would go on with their work, and joint meetings would be held every three months at places agreed upon. This was the first attempt of Jesus' followers to coordinate divergent efforts, compose differences of opinion, organize group undertakings, legislate on outward observances, and socialize personal religious practices.

Herod Antipas was afraid to release John for fear of rebellion, and he feared to put him to death because of John's popularity with the people. Herod spent a lot of time at Machaerus and made a great feast there for his officers and government officials. During the feast, Herod's wife asked her daughter to ask for John the Baptist's head. Herod granted her request and John was beheaded in the prison on January 10, 28 CE. John's disciples later took his body and buried it in a tomb before informing Jesus of his death.