3:1 Who was John the Baptist?

John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus, sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of Messiah (cp Isa 40:3-5; Mal 3:1 with Mt 3:3; 11:7-15; Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-6;Jn 1:6-9).

John was the son of Zechariah, a priest in the temple, and Elizabeth, Jesus’ mother Mary’s cousin (cp Lk 1:5-17, 36-44; 57).

Although Jesus was John’s second cousin, John did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until God told him prior to Jesus being baptized by John (cp Jn 1:29-34).

John was beheaded by King Herod (cp Mt 14:1-11). See also comments on Mt 3:1-6, 3:13-15.

3:1-3 What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

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