An angel of God came to an old priest while serving in the Holy Temple and told him his prayer would be answered. Zechariah and his aged wife would bring a son into the world, and he would be called John. The angel said John would be a joy and delight to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and many would rejoice because of his birth. John was destined to prepare the way in the spirit and power of Elijah for the coming Messiah. He took his first breath in Ein Kerem, not far from the Holy Temple. Six months later, by miraculous conception, John's cousin was born in Bethlehem, and his name was Jesus. He was born to be a ruler and king of all people.
As small children, John and Jesus escaped the wrath of King Herod, who massacred the innocents to secure his throne. John was taken to the hills of Ein Kerem to hide, and Jesus was carried to Egypt. After the king died, the children were brought from their havens. They often played together, keeping childhood secrets and sharing their dreams. They grew to be men, strong in spirit and hopeful.
John struggled to understand his purpose but believed Jesus was the Messiah who would free Israel's people from Rome's tyranny. Finally, in fulfillment of his purpose, John went through Judaea and preached repentance, making the way for the Messiah. He was then arrested by Herod Antipas, the son of the man who had murdered the children of Bethlehem. For nearly two years, John was in a dark prison cell, tormented by loneliness and the king's taunting. He struggled to understand where he had failed, and he began to wonder if Jesus was the one. Then he found his answer.