Bible Verses of the Week

John the Baptist

⁴ And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. ⁶ John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (NIV, Mark 1:4–8)

John the Baptist was a great prophet and fiery preacher who lived in the wilderness of Judea and prepared the people for Jesus' coming ministry. He preached against the wickedness of the times, particularly greed and dishonesty (Luke 3:8-14). He baptized many people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance (a turnaround of one's life from sin to holiness). John denounced Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, for his immorality. Herod then put John in prison and ultimately had him killed (Matthew 14:1-12).