Martyrdom of John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth became pregnant with John in her old age, according to God's plan, which was revealed to Zechariah by the Archangel Gabriel when Zechariah was in the temple. While Elizabeth was pregnant, Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her and helped her. The name "John" was chosen by God and also announced by the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah.

As a young man, John lived in the desert, wearing clothes made from camel hair and surviving on locusts and honey. He spent his life giving witness to Jesus, declaring that Jesus was the Son of God. John also baptized Jesus and publicly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus praised John, saying that he was greater than an apostle. John was bold in speaking the truth, even to powerful people, and he openly criticized them for their sins.

One example of Johnâs courage was when he condemned Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother Herod Philip I was still alive. Herod Antipas had divorced his first wife, Phasaelis, to be with Herodias, which was unlawful. Herod wanted to kill John but was afraid to because many people believed John was a prophet and a holy man.

At a banquet, Herodias' daughter, Salome, performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod Antipas. In his delight, Herod promised to give her anything she asked for, even up to half of his kingdom. At her mother Herodias' urging, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was reluctant, he had to keep his promise and ordered John's beheading. John was executed at the fortress of Machaerus around 30 to 35 A.D.

The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that Herod's army was later destroyed as divine punishment for the killing of St. John the Baptist.

John the Baptist is considered the forerunner of Jesus, sent by God to prepare the way for Christâs coming. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, Christians believe they should prepare themselves for the second coming of Jesus, which will bring the Last Judgment and establish the Kingdom of God. To do this, we must strive to live as true followers of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Martyrdom of John the Baptist St. John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth became pregnant with John in her old age, according to God's plan, which was revealed to Zechariah by the Archangel Gabriel when Zechariah was in the temple. While Elizabeth was pregnant, Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her and helped her. The name "John" was chosen by God and also announced by the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah. As a young man, John lived in the desert, wearing clothes made from camel hair and surviving on locusts and honey. He spent his life giving witness to Jesus, declaring that Jesus was the Son of God. John also baptized Jesus and publicly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus praised John, saying that he was greater than an apostle. John was bold in speaking the truth, even to powerful people, and he openly criticized them for their sins. One example of Johnâs courage was when he condemned Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother Herod Philip I was still alive. Herod Antipas had divorced his first wife, Phasaelis, to be with Herodias, which was unlawful. Herod wanted to kill John but was afraid to because many people believed John was a prophet and a holy man. At a banquet, Herodias' daughter, Salome, performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod Antipas. In his delight, Herod promised to give her anything she asked for, even up to half of his kingdom. At her mother Herodias' urging, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was reluctant, he had to keep his promise and ordered John's beheading. John was executed at the fortress of Machaerus around 30 to 35 A.D. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that Herod's army was later destroyed as divine punishment for the killing of St. John the Baptist. John the Baptist is considered the forerunner of Jesus, sent by God to prepare the way for Christâs coming. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, Christians believe they should prepare themselves for the second coming of Jesus, which will bring the Last Judgment and establish the Kingdom of God. To do this, we must strive to live as true followers of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
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