At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me’ I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as on a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend on and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Why do we call John “the Baptist”?

Ask your godparent or priest the following questions: What did John the Baptist do? Why is he important? (If they need help remembering you can tell them to read Matthew Chapter 3.)

Do you see any icons of John the Baptist in your church building? If you do, what can you find out about John by looking at his icon?