John the Baptist, born to Zacharias and Elisabeth in their advanced years, stands as a preeminent figure in religious history, revered for his pivotal role as the forerunner of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:5-13). His miraculous conception and birth, having been foretold by an angelic visitation, designated him for a divine mission which would culminate in his baptizing of the Lamb of God (Luke 1:13). His work was not only foreseen by the prophets of the Old Testament such as Isaiah and Malachi but was also spoken of by prophets in the Promised Land, including Lehi and Nephi, who prophesied of John’s mission to prepare the way for the Messiah (1 Nephi 10:7-10; 2 Nephi 31:4).
John was ordained by an angel at eight days old, an ordination not to the priesthood but to his calling as a forerunner to Jesus Christ (D&C 84:28). Recognized as an Elias, or one who prepares the way for something greater, he humbly acknowledged his secondary role to Christ, declaring, “He that cometh after me is mightier than I” and “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Matthew 3:11; John 3:30). His zealous ministry and unflinching courage heralded the advent of the Savior’s earthly mission and contributed to the spiritual climate necessary for Jesus’s reception among the people.
Though his life ended in martyrdom at the hands of Herod and Herodias, John did not remain in the spirit world indefinitely following the resurrection of Christ (Matthew 14:3-11). As a resurrected being, he continued his work of preparation, appearing to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on May 15, 1829, to confer upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, thereby restoring the authority to administer the ordinance of baptism (D&C 13). This act of restoration serves as a testament to John’s enduring legacy, bridging the meridian of time and fulfilling his role in preparing the way for both the first and second comings of the Lord Jesus Christ.