A prophet was to come out of Israel and his
message was to get the attention of the nation.
It was John the Baptist.

Rumors came that a great prophet was preach-
ing down at the Jordan River. He wore rough
garments and he spoke with authority. Big
crowds gathered to hear him. He was preaching,
"Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

He was like the Essenes. They had a ritual of
bathing. When a person confessed his sins, John
would baptize him in the Jordan River.

His fame spread and multitudes came to see him.