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The story of Saint John the Baptist is recorded in the four Gospels. He is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus. John was the son of Zachariah, a Temple priest and Elizabeth, a quite old cousin of the Virgin Mary. An angel foretold his birth, adding that he would prepare people for the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke Our Lady travelled to the hill country to visit Elizabeth immediately after the Annunciation. Mary was pregnant with Jesus and Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. Even |
though he was still in his mother's womb, John became aware of the presence of Christ, and leapt for joy. Elizabeth also recognised the presence of Jesus and said: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'
John lived in the wilderness and began public ministry around 30 AD. He dressed in camel skin, preached and baptised in the River Jordan. He became known for attracting large crowds across the province of Judaea. When Jesus came to him to be baptized, John recognized him and said, "It is I who need baptism from you."
