What is John the Baptist?
[[File:Mengs, Hl. Johannes der Täufer.jpg|right|thumb|A [[painting]] of John the Baptist]] '''John the Baptist''' (also called '''John the Baptizer''' or '''Yahya the Baptizer''') is viewed as a [[prophet]] by at least three [[religion]]s: [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], and [[Mandaeanism]]. According to the [[New Testament]], he was a [[preacher]] who [[baptism|baptized]] people. John called people to turn to God and to prepare for the coming of the [[messiah]] ([[Jesus]]). He baptized Jesus in the [[Jordan River]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|3:13-17}}</ref> People would go to him so that he would put them in the water to show that they have turned away from their sins, so that they could get into heaven.{{Gospel Jesus}} John was the son of [[Zechariah]] and [[Elizabeth (biblical figure)|Elizabeth]], and a relative of Jesus.<ref>{{bibleverse||Luke|1:36}}</ref> He was known for living in the wild, wearing clothes made from [[camel]]'s hair,<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|3:4}}</ref> and eating [[locust]]s and [[honey]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Mark|1:4-8}}</ref><ref name=ABF>{{cite book|title=The Amazing Bible Factbook|year=2008|publisher=American Bible Society|location=New York|isbn=978-1603207782|pages=216, 239}}</ref> In [[Catholicism]], his birthday is celebrated on [[June 24]]. == References == {{reflist}} {{New Testament people}} {{religion-stub}} [[Category:1st-century BC births]] [[Category:1st-century deaths]] [[Category:Ancient Israeli people]] [[Category:Early Christian saints]] [[Category:Executed people]] [[Category:New Testament people]]