Son of Zachary, a priest of the order of Abia and of Elizabeth descendent of Aaron. As Zachary was ministering in the Temple, an angel brought him news that Elizabeth would bear a child filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth. Zachary doubted and was struck dumb until John's birth. John was the cousin of Jesus.
He was a great Prophet. As a predecessor of Jesus he preached a baptism of repentance, he lived a very austere life eating locusts and wild honey, his words attracted many followers who eventually became disciples of Jesus.
He baptized Jesus in the waters of the Jordan and recognized Him as the Messiah. He said: behold " This is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world".
St. John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod. He was beheaded, and his head was
brought to the daughter of Herodias on a platter.
Jesus said of Him, "of all those born of women, there is no other greater than
John the Baptist, yet the smallest in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than him. (Mt
11:11)"
The
Work of God Apostolate
www.theworkofgod.org