25 Bible Verses About John The Baptist (With Commentary)
John the Baptist was a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. Join us in exploring the verses that highlight the significance of John the Baptist’s role in the unfolding story of salvation and his powerful message of repentance.
Bible Verses About John The Baptist
Matthew 3:1-3
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’””
This verse introduces John the Baptist as the one who came to prepare the way for the Lord. His message was one of repentance and he urged people to turn away from their sinful ways in order to welcome the kingdom of heaven. John’s role was prophesied in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah, where he is described as a voice calling in the wilderness, preparing the paths for the Lord’s coming. John’s ministry was vital in paving the way for the arrival of Jesus and highlighting the need for repentance as a central aspect of preparing for God’s kingdom.
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
This verse showcases John the Baptist’s humility and recognition of his role compared to Jesus. John acknowledges that his baptism with water is only symbolic of repentance, but Jesus will bring something far greater. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, indicating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within believers. While John played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus, his ministry was merely a precursor to the greater work that Jesus would do in the lives of people, through the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:13-17
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, 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.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.””
In this passage, John the Baptist initially hesitates to baptize Jesus, feeling unworthy to do so. However, Jesus insists that it is necessary to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus’ baptism serves as a significant moment where he is publicly identified as the Son of God, beloved and approved by the Father. The descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove further emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and the affirmation of his mission. This event marks the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry and sets the stage for the revelation of his identity as the long-awaited Savior.
Matthew 11:11
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Jesus praises John the Baptist as the greatest prophet who had ever lived up to that point. John’s role in preparing the way for Jesus was instrumental, and his bold and uncompromising preaching made a deep impact on people. However, Jesus also alludes to the greater privileges and blessings that would be bestowed on those who become part of the kingdom of heaven through faith in him. While John was significant in his ministry, even the least in the kingdom of heaven would experience a greater measure of God’s grace and salvation.
Mark 1:2-4
“It is written in Isaiah the prophet: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way’— ‘a voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”’ And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
In these verses, Mark also references the prophecy of Isaiah, emphasizing the role of John the Baptist as the messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. John’s ministry was focused on calling people to repentance and preparing their hearts for the forgiveness of sins. Just as in Matthew, these verses highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through John’s appearance in the wilderness, laying the groundwork for Jesus’ arrival.
Luke 1:15-17
“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
These verses provide additional insights into John the Baptist’s greatness and purpose. He was set apart by God even before his birth, with specific instructions not to consume wine or strong drink. John’s role would include being filled with the Holy Spirit and leading many Israelites back to God. He would operate in the spirit and power of Elijah, serving as a catalyst for repentance and restoration of familial relationships. John’s essential task was to prepare a people ready to receive the Lord and his message, setting the stage for the ministry of Jesus.
Luke 1:76-77
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”
These verses come from the prophetic words spoken by Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, after his tongue is loosed and he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Zechariah predicts John’s role as a prophet of the Most High, the one who would go before the Lord to prepare the way. John’s mission was to impart knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. His ministry was not just about repentance, but about making people aware of the opportunity for forgiveness and restoration that would come through the work of Jesus.
Luke 3:3
“He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
This verse echoes the message preached by John the Baptist throughout the region around the Jordan. His primary emphasis was on repentance, urging people to turn away from their sins in order to be forgiven. John recognized that forgiveness was only possible through genuine repentance, and he made it his mission to call people to a change of heart and behavior. The baptism that he administered symbolized this repentance and served as a visible reminder of their commitment to turn their lives around.
Luke 3:4-6
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.”’
In Luke’s account, he also emphasizes the prophecy of Isaiah, citing it as a fulfillment in the person of John the Baptist. The metaphorical language used by Isaiah describes the transformation that John’s ministry would bring about. Just as valleys would be filled, mountains made low, and crooked roads straightened, John’s mission was to make a way for God’s salvation to be made known to all people. His preaching and ministry were meant to make the path straight and clear for people to encounter God and receive his salvation.
Luke 3:10-14
“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’ Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?’ ‘Don’t collect any more than you are required to,’ he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’
In this passage, various groups of people approach John the Baptist and ask him what they should do in response to his message. John’s answer is consistently focused on practical righteousness and justice. He calls for generosity and sharing of resources among those who have more than enough. He challenges tax collectors to stop exploiting people and urges soldiers to act justly and be content with their wages. John’s teachings highlight the importance of moral and ethical behavior in the lives of those who seek to repent and align themselves with God’s kingdom.
John 1:6-8
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.”
John the Baptist’s role was not to be the source of light but to bear witness to the true Light, who is Jesus. John was divinely chosen and sent by God as a testimony to the coming Savior. His purpose was to point people to Jesus so that they might believe in him. This verse emphasizes the humility and significance of John’s mission as a precursor to the Light of the world. John’s entire ministry was focused on turning people’s attention away from himself and directing it towards Jesus.
John 1:19-27
“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Finally, they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’
In this encounter with the religious leaders, John the Baptist clarifies his own identity and mission. He openly declares that he is not the Messiah, nor is he Elijah or the Prophet foretold in the Old Testament. Instead, he identifies himself as the voice calling in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. John’s humility is evident in his willingness to embrace his role as a servant, deflecting attention from himself and asserting that he is merely a messenger preparing the people for the coming of the Lord.
John 3:22-30
“After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.’ To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.’”
In this passage, John the Baptist’s followers express concern over Jesus’ increasing popularity and the fact that people are flocking to him for baptism. They seem to see this as a threat to John’s ministry. However, John responds with humility and reminds them that he was sent ahead of Jesus as a precursor. He uses the metaphor of a bride and bridegroom to illustrate the relationship between himself and Jesus, stating that his joy is now complete as people begin to recognize Jesus as the bridegroom and flock to him. In these verses, John demonstrates his obedience to his mission and his willingness to decrease in order for Jesus to increase.
Acts 10:37-38
“You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
In this verse, the disciples of Jesus reflect on the events that took place after John the Baptist’s ministry. They acknowledge that Jesus, after his baptism by John, was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power. The disciples bear witness to the fact that Jesus went about doing good, performing miracles, and bringing healing to those oppressed by the devil. They attribute Jesus’ powerful ministry to the presence and empowerment of God. This verse establishes the continuity between John’s message and ministry and the work that Jesus came to fulfill.
Acts 13:24-25
“Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the role of John the Baptist as a forerunner to Jesus. He highlights how John proclaimed a message of repentance and administered baptism to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival. Paul also records John’s acknowledgment of his own unworthiness compared to Jesus. John understood that he was not the Messiah, but merely a servant preparing the way for the one who was greater. This verse underscores John’s humility and his recognition of Jesus’ surpassing greatness.
Mark 6:14-29
“King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Others said, ‘He is Elijah.’ And still others claimed, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.’ But when Herod heard this, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!’ For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. Finally, the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.’ And he promised her with an oath, ‘Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ ‘The head of John the Baptist,’ she answered. At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: ‘I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.”
This account in Mark describes the tragic and brutal end to John the Baptist’s life. Herod, who had imprisoned John, is perplexed by the rumors he hears about Jesus and wonders if John has been raised from the dead. The narrative provides insights into the reasons behind John’s execution, which stemmed from his public criticism of Herod’s unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias. Despite Herod’s fears and reservations, he ultimately gives in to the demands of Herodias’ daughter, resulting in John’s execution. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the cost and consequences that can accompany faithful proclamation of God’s truth.
Matthew 14:1-12
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people because they considered John a prophet. On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.”
Similar to the account in Mark, Matthew recounts the circumstances that led to the execution of John the Baptist. Herod, in his superstitious fear, believes Jesus to be John resurrected. Matthew also emphasizes how John’s imprisonment was the result of his rebuke of Herod’s illicit marriage. The story unfolds with the manipulative request of Herodias’ daughter, leading to John’s beheading. The disciples of John, grieving their loss, take solace in informing Jesus about the tragic fate of their teacher. This passage serves as a lament for the unjust death of John and underscores the cost of standing for righteousness in the face of earthly powers.
Matthew 17:10-13
“The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.”
In this conversation between Jesus and his disciples, they question him about the prophecy regarding the coming of Elijah. Jesus affirms that Elijah will come and restore all things, but he also reveals that Elijah has already come, referring to John the Baptist. Jesus highlights the failure of people to recognize John’s true identity and the way they treated him, fulfilling the prophecy. By drawing the connection between John’s mistreatment and his own impending suffering, Jesus prepares his disciples for the rejection and persecution that he himself would face. This passage serves as a reminder of the link between John and Jesus in their shared mission and the suffering they would both endure.
Matthew 21:25
“John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?’ They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will ask, “Then why didn’t you believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’
In this verse, the religious leaders confront Jesus with a question about the origin of John the Baptist’s baptism. They deliberate among themselves, considering the consequences of their answer. They acknowledge that the people hold John in high regard as a prophet, and they fear public backlash if they deny the divine nature of his baptism. This interaction highlights the impact and influence that John had on the people, recognizing him as a noteworthy figure and prophet. The question posed to Jesus serves as an opportunity for him to reveal the true source of John’s ministry and validate his role in preparing the way for Jesus.
Matthew 21:32
“For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”
In this verse, Jesus confronts the religious leaders regarding their unbelief and the contrast between their response to John the Baptist’s message and that of the tax collectors and prostitutes. Jesus affirms that John came to show them the way of righteousness, but they rejected his message. The tax collectors and prostitutes, however, responded with humble repentance and believed in John’s message. This verse serves as a challenge to the religious leaders’ self-righteousness and emphasizes the importance of humility and genuine repentance in receiving God’s salvation.
What Does the Bible Say About John The Baptist?
John the Baptist is a significant figure in the Bible, and his life and ministry are mentioned in all four Gospels. He was chosen by God to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ, preparing the way for the Messiah’s ministry. John’s primary mission was to proclaim the coming of Jesus and to call people to repentance.
The Bible describes John as a powerful and influential figure, with a message of repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God. He lived a simple life, wearing camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey. He baptized people in the Jordan River as a symbol of their repentance and desire for spiritual renewal.
In Matthew 3:3, John is identified with the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3, “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” This emphasizes the significance of John’s role in preparing the people for the arrival of Jesus.
John the Baptist also had the privilege of baptizing Jesus himself, and he testified about Jesus, declaring Him to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He knew that his own ministry was to decrease as Jesus’ ministry increased (John 3:30).
John’s commitment to righteousness and his fearless preaching led to his imprisonment and eventual death. He was beheaded by King Herod after speaking out against his sinful relationship with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife (Mark 6:17-29).
Many admired John for his boldness and powerful preaching, and Jesus Himself affirmed John’s importance, saying, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).
John the Baptist’s life teaches us about humility, faithfulness to God’s calling, and the importance of preparing the way for Jesus in our lives and the lives of others. His example challenges us to boldly proclaim the message of repentance and point others to Jesus as the Savior and Lord of all.
