St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist was the prophet God chose to prepare the way for Christ. He preached repentance, baptized in the Jordan, baptized Jesus, and always pointed away from himself to the Lamb of God. He was martyred for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage. His feast is June 24.

His mission

John preached repentance and baptized in the Jordan as a sign of conversion. He repeatedly pointed away from himself to the Messiah, who is greater than he (Matthew 3:11-12). His humility makes him a model for Christians.

Was he Jesus' cousin?

Luke 1:36 calls Elizabeth Mary's suggenes, "kinswoman," not specifically "cousin" (anepsios), so the exact relationship is unknown, though Christians traditionally call them cousins. Even before birth John recognized the Lord: he leapt in Elizabeth's womb when Mary arrived (Luke 1:43-45).

The baptism of Jesus

John hesitated, knowing Jesus was greater, but Jesus insisted. At his baptism, which began his public ministry, the Spirit descended like a dove and the Father proclaimed him his beloved Son. John also proclaimed Jesus "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29; see 1:35).

John's baptism was one of repentance, prefiguring the sacrament of baptism won by Christ's sacrifice (CCC 1213-1216), which forgives all sins and gives new life through the indwelling Trinity (see CCC 1262-1270).

Was he Elijah?

Not literally. But he came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17), fulfilling Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6), as Jesus affirmed (Matthew 11:7-15; see 17:10-13; CCC 128-130). He is the bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the New Covenant. He said, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). His question from prison was not doubt but for his disciples' sake, that they might see Jesus' miracles and believe (Matthew 11:2-6).

His death

John publicly condemned Herod Antipas's unlawful marriage to Herodias, was imprisoned, and at the request of Herodias's daughter was beheaded (see Mark 6:14-29). Since he was born about six months before Jesus, who began his ministry at about thirty, many estimate John was about thirty or thirty-one when he died.

His example

Many churches bear his name. Like him, we are called to lead others to Christ rather than seek attention for ourselves (John 3:16-17; see Matthew 6:33). The baptism Jesus instituted gives the Holy Spirit and fire (see Matthew 3:11-12; CCC 535-537; 1213-1216).