St. John the Baptist
c. 7 BC - c. 28 AD
📅 Feast Day: Jun 24
📖 Life Timeline
c. 6 BC
Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth
c. 27 AD
Baptizes Jesus in Jordan
c. 28 AD
Beheaded by Herod
✝ Biography
Born in Bethlehem of Galilee (or Ein Kerem) to Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. His birth was announced by the Angel Gabriel to Zechariah while he served at the Temple (Luke 1:5-25). Elizabeth was a relative of the Virgin Mary. John grew 'in stature and was strong in spirit' and 'was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel' (Luke 1:80). Around age 30, he appeared in the wilderness of Judea, wearing camel's hair and a leather belt, eating locusts and wild honey. Preached baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins at the Jordan River. 'A voice crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord' (Isaiah 40:3, fulfilled in John). Baptized Jesus, saying: 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied: 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness' (Matt 3:14-15). At Jesus' baptism, the Spirit descended as a dove and the Father's voice declared: 'This is my beloved Son.' John testified: 'Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). Imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his marriage to Herodias (his brother's wife). Beheaded at Herod's birthday banquet when Herodias' daughter danced and Herod promised her anything (Matt 14:1-12). Feast: June 24 (Nativity), Feb 24 (Beheading).
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Baptism, penitents, tanners, winemakers, and those awaiting baptism. Forerunner of the Lord.
💬 Words of the Saint
He must increase, but I must decrease.
📜 Key Facts
Born
c. 7 BC, Ein Kerem
Died
c. 28 AD, Machaerus (beheaded)
Feast Day
Jun 24
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
🕊 Legacy
All four Gospels begin with his ministry. His baptism prefigured Christian baptism. The only saint whose beheading is commemorated with a feast day (August 29).
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