John

Lore & Background

John the Baptist appears as a prophetic figure preparing the way for Jesus. He preaches a baptism of repentance for remission of sins (Mark 1:4) and is recognized by the people as a prophet (Matthew 21:26). Jesus himself affirms John’s role, stating that all the prophets and the law prophesied until John (Matthew 11:13), and that John is the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 17:13).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray John as a distinct, ascetic figure whose ministry centers on repentance and baptism. He is not a miracle-worker but a voice calling in the wilderness. His confrontation with Herod over Herodias leads to his imprisonment and execution (Matthew 14:3-4, 10). Jesus speaks highly of John, calling him more than a prophet and the greatest among those born of women (Matthew 11:9, 11). Yet John himself acknowledges Jesus’ superiority (Matthew 3:14). The passages also show John’s disciples interacting with Jesus, asking about fasting (Matthew 9:14) and later reporting John’s doubts from prison (Matthew 11:2-4). The people’s view of John as a prophet is contrasted with the religious leaders’ rejection of his baptism (Matthew 21:25-32).

Did You Know?

• John’s clothing and diet of locusts and wild honey are described identically in Matthew and Mark (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6).
• John was imprisoned for telling Herod it was unlawful to marry his brother Philip’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4).
• Herod thought Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead (Matthew 14:2).
• Jesus said John was the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 17:13).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." — John "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." — John "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." — John "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." — John