More than a prophet. Just as God praised the character of Job (Job 1.8), the Lord Jesus praised the character of John the Baptist. He had received the mission to prepare the way, ahead of the Lord by announcing the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Other prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah spoke of the Messiah but never saw Him. John, however, not only saw Him but also spoke with Him and baptized Him. While the religious leaders, kept silent about the sins of Herod, John denounced them.

His boldness to speak the truth stirred up hatred in many especial the Pharisees and Sadducees, whom the prophets called “brood of vipers” (3.7). Boldness is one of the most striking characteristics of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 3.31).