John the Baptist (5 BC - AD 28), the prophet and immediate forerunner of Jesus Christ. During two years of active ministry John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of Christ, and finally pointed Him out to them. He was born in the hill country of Judah about six months before the birth of Christ, and lived in seclusion until AD 26. He then began his ministry in the Jordan valley, crying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." His message was, "Repent." A crisis in the lives of the people was near, and ever he cried "Repent." He baptized many, and soon received the name of John the Baptist. Near the close of John the Baptist's ministry Christ came to him for baptism. John recognized Him, and proclaimed Him to the people as the Messiah. Soon after this John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, the Tetrarch of Galilee. He was charged with having calumniated Herod. The vengeful Herodias, wife of Herod, using as her tool her daughter Salome, succeeded in having Herod behead The Baptist.

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