Others in the Gospels
John the Baptist
Also called John the Baptizer
Prophet who baptized in the Jordan
- 6
- Events
- 4
- Places
- 2
- Journeys
Editorial summary
The son of Zacharias and Elizabeth. He preached in the wilderness and baptized in the Jordan, where he baptized Jesus; John’s Gospel also places him at Bethany beyond the Jordan and at Enon near Salim.
Scripture
Journeys
2Where their story unfolds
4- Wilderness of JudeaJudaean DesertApproximate location. A region or area. The marker is only a representative point.
- Jordan RiverAl-Maghtas baptism siteTraditional site. Located by long-standing tradition rather than firm evidence.
- Hill country of JudeaJudaean MountainsApproximate location. A region or area. The marker is only a representative point.
- EnonUmm el-Umdan (one proposed site)Location debated. Scholars propose competing sites; the marker shows one candidate.
Where they appear
6John preaches in the wilderness
John the Baptizer preached in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. People from Jerusalem, Judea and the region around the Jordan were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. He warned the Pharisees and Sadducees and spoke of one mightier coming after him.
Baptism in the Jordan
Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Coming up out of the water, he saw the Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice came from heaven.
The birth of John
Elizabeth gave birth to a son. When those who came to circumcise him would have named him Zacharias, Elizabeth said he would be called John, and Zacharias wrote, “His name is John.” His mouth was opened, and, filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied. The child grew and was in the desert until his public appearance to Israel.
John’s testimony beyond the Jordan
When priests and Levites from Jerusalem asked John who he was, he said he was not the Christ but the voice of one crying in the wilderness. The next day he saw Jesus coming and called him the Lamb of God, testifying that he had seen the Spirit descend and remain on him.
The first disciples follow Jesus
The next day John looked at Jesus and called him the Lamb of God. Two of John’s disciples heard him, followed Jesus and stayed with him that day. One of them, Andrew, brought his brother Simon to Jesus, who said he would be called Cephas, that is, Peter.
John baptizes at Enon
While Jesus and his disciples were in Judea, John was baptizing at Enon near Salim, where there was much water. When his disciples told him that everyone was going to Jesus, John answered that he was not the Christ but had been sent before him, and that Jesus must increase while he decreased.