This Sundayഈ ഞായറാഴ്ച

Person · 3 Sundays

John the Baptist

യോഹന്നാൻ

“The Lord is gracious”

In the readings on 3 Sundays so far.

Russian Deesis icon of John the Baptist bowing in prayer, 17th century
Russian icon painter, 17th century

At a glance

In Malayalam
യോഹന്നാൻ
What the name means
“The Lord is gracious”
In the readings
3 Sundays, 15 November 2026 to 6 December 2026
Gospel passages
Luke 1:5–25 · Luke 1:39–56 · Luke 1:57–80

Name meanings and role notes are drafted with each edition and waiting for review by a priest or editor.

The life of John the Baptist

John the Baptist, the Forerunner, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. He preached repentance in the wilderness, baptised Jesus in the Jordan, pointed to him as the Lamb of God, and was beheaded by Herod Antipas.

Born
In the hill country of Judea, about six months before Jesus ScriptureLuke 1:26, 36, 39–40, 57
Died
Beheaded in prison at the order of Herod Antipas ScriptureMark 6:21–29
Family
  • Father: Zechariah the priest ScriptureLuke 1:13
  • Mother: Elizabeth ScriptureLuke 1:57
  • Relative: Jesus, through Mary and Elizabeth ScriptureLuke 1:36

  1. Gabriel announces that he will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah.

    ScriptureLuke 1:13–17

  2. Still unborn, he leaps for joy when Mary greets Elizabeth.

    ScriptureLuke 1:41–44

  3. He grows up and lives in the wilderness until his public appearance.

    ScriptureLuke 1:80

  4. In the fifteenth year of Tiberius (about AD 28–29) he begins preaching a baptism of repentance.

    ScriptureLuke 3:1–3

  5. He wears camel’s hair and eats locusts and wild honey.

    ScriptureMatthew 3:4

  6. He baptises Jesus in the Jordan and sees the Spirit descend.

    ScriptureMatthew 3:13–17

  7. He points to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God”; Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus.

    ScriptureJohn 1:29–40

  8. He rebukes Herod Antipas for taking his brother’s wife and is imprisoned.

    ScriptureMark 6:17–18

  9. Jesus says no one born of women is greater than John.

    ScriptureMatthew 11:11

  10. The historian Josephus also records John’s preaching and his execution by Herod at the fortress of Machaerus.

    HistoryAntiquities 18.5.2

Remembered in the Church year

  • Annunciation to Zachariah (Parents’ day)
  • Birth of John the Baptist (Children’s day)
  • Denha, the Baptism of our Lord6 January

Read it in the Bible

  • Luke 1:5–80 His promise and birth
  • Matthew 3 His preaching and Christ’s baptism
  • John 1:19–37 The Lamb of God
  • Mark 6:14–29 His death

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18.5.2.

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with John the Baptist

  1. Birth of John the Baptist

    Gospel: Luke 1:57–80

    As one of “John”: The newborn son, who will prepare the way for Christ.

    In the story

  2. St. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

    Gospel: Luke 1:39–56

    As one of “John”: Still unborn, he leaps for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice.

  3. This Sunday

    Annunciation to Zechariah

    Gospel: Luke 1:5–25

    As one of “John”: The promised son, later called the Baptist. He goes ahead of Christ.

    In the story

Also in these readings

About the icon

Saint John the Baptist, from a Deesis tier. Russian icon painter, 17th century. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Everyone in the readings