Here's who we're wondering about:
John the Baptist
The Bible says: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light." (John 1:6-8)
- "Testify" means to make known, to prove.
- Who is the light? The light is Jesus, whose birth we are awaiting during these special weeks of Advent. We'll celebrate Jesus' birthday on Christmas!
John was Jesus' second cousin, the son of Mary's cousin Elizabeth and a priest named Zechariah. Even though Elizabeth and her husband were very old, they had baby John - a blessing! - about six months ahead of Jesus' birth.
The angel Gabriel (the same angel who later visited Mary!) told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a baby, and to name him John. Zechariah was so doubtful and astonished at becoming a father that Gabriel took away his voice! He got it back, though, when he told everyone the newborn baby's name. John means: God is gracious.
Elizabeth was visited by Mary when they were both expecting their babies. The Bible tells us that John (growing inside his mother, Elizabeth) jumped for joy and knew even then how special Jesus was!
As he grew up, John was outspoken about making good choices: feed and clothe anyone in need, be fair and generous, work for justice. Follow God's laws, and prepare for the One who was to come!
He spent his days in the desert (remember our class on "Desert Abbas, Desert Ammas"?). He lived simply, wore a camel-hair shirt and ate locusts (like grasshoppers) and honey. People came to him, and he baptized them: people had to want to give up evil, and to want forgiveness, and to promise to do good, all in preparation for the time when Jesus would come.
And Jesus did come, and he asked John to baptize him, even though Jesus was free from sin. John said, I'm not worthy! But Jesus insisted, and John the Baptist baptized Jesus. A dove hovered over Jesus while God spoke, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased!"
John's work was done: Jesus was here!
