Who was John the Baptist? He was a prophet sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. He called people to repentance and testified that Jesus is the Messiah, the “true light” who came into the world.
“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 1:6-8)
Why would God send a man before Jesus—and why did so many still miss Him?
Bible Study Guide
Who Was John the Baptist? (John 1:6-11)
(Verses 6-11) The John mentioned in verse 6 should not be confused with John, the disciple of Christ and author of the gospel of John. The only time John the disciple refers to himself in his gospel is when he mentions “the disciple that Jesus loved.”
The John that John the disciple of Jesus is speaking of here is John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was:
- A prophet foretold in Malachi
- The forerunner of Jesus
- A witness to the Light (Christ)
- A preacher of repentance
John the Baptist was the one whom God reserved for this moment. He was led out of the desert to announce the arrival of the Messiah. This would signal the beginning of Jesus’ three year ministry as the messenger of the new covenant as spoken of through the prophet Malachi.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:1)
John the Baptist came to testify to the light that was entering the world. This light is Jesus Christ. He came to offer light to the whole world. The true light that saves. As we know, the world rejected Him along with many of His own people.
To understand more fully what Jesus meant by this statement, explore the full “I Am the Light of the World” Bible study.
Common Answers to Questions About John the Baptist
- His parents were Zechariah and Elizabeth
- John and Jesus were cousins
- He was estimated to be about 6 months older than Jesus
- He was preserved in the desert by God to be the forerunner to Jesus’ and His ministry
- Although he baptized, his life is best characterized by his love and devotion to his Messiah
- His message was simple: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near
- He was executed by King Herod Antipas for denouncing his marriage to Herodias
What Does John the Baptist’s Message Mean for Us Today?
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus—calling people to turn from sin and recognize the Savior in front of them. His mission was clear: point others to the light.
That mission didn’t end with him.
John prepared the way for Christ’s first coming. Today, we live in the time leading to His Second Coming—and we are called to carry that same message forward.
Just as John pointed people to the light, we are called to reflect it. Many still know about Jesus but haven’t truly received Him. They’re searching, questioning, and in need of hope.
This is where we step in.
Preparing the way today means:
- Living a life that reflects Christ
- Sharing the truth with love and clarity
- Pointing others to the hope of the gospel
Not everyone will respond—but some will. And those who do are given the incredible gift John describes:
The right to become children of God.
John’s voice prepared hearts to meet Jesus.
Our lives can do the same.
And there is no greater calling than helping someone see the light—and receive Him.
Are We All Children of God? (John 1:12-13)
One of the themes we see woven into John’s gospel is signaling of the difference between a belief in Jesus Christ and a saving belief in Jesus Christ. John the disciple uses many examples to show these differences. There are those who believe in the works and miracles of Jesus and those who hold a saving belief that places full trust and faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Verse 12 is the first example of this difference that exists among believers.
Today, many people invoke God into their ideology and make the false claim that we are all “children of God.”
This is another example of how people treat the Words of God like the buffet line at the Golden Corral. They like and accept some of what God says and rejecting others things. They often will not finish reading a passage because it reveals the truth of the context that they don’t want to accept.
The claim that we are all children of God is false.
The truth is we are all a part of God’s creation. Through his creation, we have a connection with God. Thus we are inherently connected to our creator.
We are not all children of God.
At first glance, it might seem like everyone belongs to God simply because He created them.
But John makes a careful distinction—one that changes everything.
What does it really mean to “receive” Christ?
Who Are the Children of God? (John 1:12-13)
(Verse 12) When we read John 1:12 carefully, we see something more specific—and more powerful. John makes it very clear who the children of God are:
- All those who receive Christ as their Lord and Savior
- Those who are spiritually born of God
- Those who believe in His name as the Son of God who came to die for sin and be resurrected
To these “He gave the right to become children of God.”
This makes not all of us children of God.
(Verse 13) John explains that you don’t become a child of God through birth because your parents are Christians. It doesn’t work that way. Being born into a Christian family, doesn’t make you a Christian (child of God).
No one can accept salvation in your name. Your parents or anyone else can’t accept God’s free gift of salvation for you. It must be exclusively, the desire of your heart to believe in Jesus Christ, that He’s the son of God, and that He died and rose again for your sins. And you must put your full faith and trust in the promises of His covenant and the eternal life He offers you.
There is no other way to becoming a child of God. Jesus is only way back to God.
No religion can save you. No amount of sacraments, traditions, rituals or Sunday church attendance can save you. Only through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and Him alone can you become a “child of God.”
Want to see how John the Baptist’s role unfolds? Follow the full Gospel of John study (chapters 1–10).
Closing Reflection
Dear Friends, The same light John the Baptist pointed to is still shining today—but the question remains: have you truly received it?
Maybe you have but how about those around you?
It’s possible to know about Jesus and still keep Him at a distance. But becoming a child of God begins with a personal response—receiving Him, trusting Him, and walking in His light.
As you reflect on this passage, consider where you stand. Are you simply aware of the light… or are you living in it?
What would it look like for you to more fully “receive” Christ today?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
thank You for the light You have brought into this world. Open our eyes not just to see You—but to truly receive You.
Search our hearts and remove anything that keeps us from fully trusting in You. Help us walk in Your truth, live as Your children, and reflect Your light to those around us.
Use our lives, like John the Baptist, to point others to You—so they too may find hope, forgiveness, and new life.
In Your name Christ we pray, Amen.