John the Baptist announced the arrival of Jesus (see Mark 1:1–11; Luke 3:1–22; John 1:6–8, 19–34). John helped people get ready to welcome him (Matt 3:3). John drew large crowds (3:5) and gathered a group of followers (9:14). This group continued for a short time as a movement, even after the Christian church began (see Acts 18:24–28).
John lived in the Judean wilderness. This was symbolic because the wilderness linked to God giving the law (see Exodus 19:1). It also related to God's final redemption of Israel at the end of time (see Isaiah 40:3).