The Bible revealed hundreds of years before Jesus came that a forerunner would precede the coming of the Messiah. Matthew referred to him as the Herald, the official messenger who would announce the King's arrival. He would prepare the way before the King when he would be approaching. This was a very familiar scene in ancient times, yet this forerunner would be very different in his appearance and in his message.

"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17

John's Birth, Israel and the Word, The Forerunner, Zacharias and Elizabeth, The Angel Gabriel, John is Born

The Birth of John the Baptist

John the Baptist had a miraculous birth, and everything about his birth was predicted before he was born. God spoke about John hundreds of years before he came. He was to be the forerunner of the LORD, the Messiah and savior of the world. His parents were descendants of Aaron the first priest of Israel. They were trusting in the promises of God, yet Elizabeth was barren but God opened up her womb. When the time came for her to give birth, the angel Gabriel made an announcement to both Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to Zacharias and Elizabeth. When John was born his father uttered an amazing prophecy about God's faithfulness and his promises to Israel and to all people.

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God." - Luke 1:13-16

The New Testament - A Brief Overview

Brief History of the Birth of John the Baptist
Scriptures: Luke 1:5-25

Introduction

The New Testament covers the period from the birth of John the Baptist, to the life and death of Jesus, to the beginnings of the Church,  to the spreading of the gospel throughout the world, to the death of the great apostle Paul.

The Four Gospel Accounts - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

There are four accounts of the life of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and they are referred to as the "Gospel". Each portrays a particular focus about Jesus and His ministry.