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))
* __[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."
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