# John (the Baptist)

## Facts:

John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since “John” was a common name, he is often called “John the Baptist” to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.

* John was the prophet whom God sent to prepare people to believe in and follow the Messiah. 
* John told people to confess their sins, turn to God, and stop sinning, so that they would be ready to receive the Messiah. 
* John baptized many people in water as a sign that they were sorry for their sins and were turning away from them.  
* John was called “John the Baptist” because he baptized many people. 

(Translation suggestions: [How to Translate Names](rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names))

(See also: [baptize](../kt/baptize.md), [Zechariah (NT)](../names/zechariahnt.md))

 
## Bible References:

* [John 03:22-24](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/03/22)
* [Luke 01:11-13](rc://en/tn/help/luk/01/11)
* [Luke 01:62-63](rc://en/tn/help/luk/01/62)
* [Luke 03:7](rc://en/tn/help/luk/03/07)
* [Luke 03:15-16](rc://en/tn/help/luk/03/15)
* [Luke 07:27-28](rc://en/tn/help/luk/07/27)
* [Matthew 03:13](rc://en/tn/help/mat/03/13)
* [Matthew 11:14](rc://en/tn/help/mat/11/14)

## Examples from the Bible stories:

* __[22:02](rc://en/tn/help/obs/22/02)__ The angel said to Zechariah, “Your wife will have a son. You will name him __John__. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and will prepare the people for Messiah!”
* __[22:07](rc://en/tn/help/obs/22/07)__ After Elizabeth gave birth to her baby boy, Zechariah and Elizabeth named the baby __John__, as the angel had commanded. 
* __[24:01](rc://en/tn/help/obs/24/01)__ __John__, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, grew up and became a prophet. He lived in the wilderness, ate wild honey and locusts, and wore clothes made from camel hair.
* __[24:02](rc://en/tn/help/obs/24/02)__ Many people came out to the wilderness to listen to __John__. He preached to them, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near!”
* __[24:06](rc://en/tn/help/obs/24/06)__ The next day, Jesus came to be baptized by __John__. When __John__ saw him, he said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world.”

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: G910 G2491
