John the Baptist
Herald of the Messiah
John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus Christ, the last of the Old Testament prophets, and the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan. He is venerated across Christianity, Islam, and Restoration tradition.
Across Traditions
Christianity
Name
John the Baptist
Role
Forerunner of Christ and voice in the wilderness
Summary
John is the fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy — the messenger who prepares the way of the Lord. Born of Elizabeth in her old age, he lived an ascetic life in the wilderness. He baptized Jesus, at which the Holy Spirit descended as a dove. Jesus called him the greatest man born of woman. He was beheaded by Herod at Herodias' request.
Source Text
He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire
Matthew 3:11
Islam
Name
Yahya ibn Zakariyya
Role
Prophet given wisdom as a child
Summary
Yahya is the son of Zakariyya, born miraculously to an aged mother. God gave him wisdom and judgment as a child. He is described as chaste, compassionate, and pure. An entire section of Surah Maryam recounts his birth. Islamic tradition honors him as a prophet who confirmed the coming of Isa.
Source Text
O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination. And We gave him judgement while yet a boy, and compassion from Us and purity
Quran 19:12-13
LDS
Name
John the Baptist
Role
Resurrected being who restored the Aaronic Priesthood
Summary
On May 15, 1829, John the Baptist appeared as a resurrected being to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery near Harmony, Pennsylvania. He laid his hands on their heads and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood, restoring the authority to baptize. This event is one of the foundational priesthood restoration events in LDS history.
Source Text
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of... the baptism of repentance
D&C 13:1
Connected Figures
Theme
Common Ground
Description
All three traditions affirm John's miraculous birth to an aged mother and his role as a righteous prophet connected to Jesus/Isa. All three honor him as an exemplar of purity and divine calling.
Theme
Restoration Addition
Description
The Restoration uniquely records John as a resurrected being who personally restored the Aaronic Priesthood in 1829 — giving his mission an active, ongoing dimension no other tradition preserves.