John the Baptist
See also Aaronic Priesthood; Elias
The son of Zacharias and Elisabeth in the New Testament. John was sent to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (John 1:19–27). He held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood and baptized Jesus Christ.
- Isaiah and others prophesied of John’s mission:Isa. 40:3; ( Mal. 3:1; 1 Ne. 10:7–10; 2 Ne. 31:4; )
- Was put in prison and beheaded:Matt. 14:3–12; ( Mark 6:17–29; )
- Gabriel announced John’s birth and ministry to Zacharias:Luke 1:5–25;
- Jesus taught that John the Baptist was a great prophet:Luke 7:24–28;
- Recognized Jesus as the Son of God:John 1:29–34;
- John’s disciples became Jesus’ disciples:John 1:25–29, 35–42; ( Acts 1:21–22; )
- Did no miracle:John 10:41;
- As a resurrected being, was sent to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood:D&C 13; ( D&C 27:7–8; JS—H 1:68–72; )
- Was ordained by an angel when he was eight days old:D&C 84:28;
