1972
John the Baptist
November 1972


“John the Baptist,” New Era, Nov. 1972, 21

John the Baptist

As John the Baptist was herald to the coming of Christ, so this photo essay on his life is herald to a series of biblical photographs in upcoming issues. John the Baptist lived simply, sustained by simple things as he walked the wilderness areas between Jerusalem and Jericho. The photographs are as near to actual sites as recorded history will allow.

“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.” Luke 1:57–60

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matt. 3:1–3

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him. …” Matt. 3:5–6

“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.” Mark 1:8–9

“But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved of him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

“Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.” Luke 3:19–20

“But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:26–28

Photos by Don Thorpe

Ein Karem—Place of John the Baptist’s birth

Wadi Quid—Pathway from Jericho to Jerusalem

Jerusalem—Outside the walls

Jordan River

Masada—Possible area of John the Baptist’s imprisonment

Hills of Judaea