Who Was John the Baptist?

Malachi 4:5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”(NKJV) Who was John the Baptist? Jesus asked the religious leaders, “The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4) They did not know. John 1:6-7 says “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.” During John’s imprisonment, Jesus said to the multitudes, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:7-11) The gospel begins at John’s baptism of repentance. As Jesus stated it, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) John’s baptism of repentance prepared the way for the good news that people can be saved through faith in Christ. Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? Matthew 11:14-15 states, “And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”