In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. (Luke 1:5-7)

Yesterday was the feast of the nativity of John the Baptist, who Luke tells us was the cousin of Jesus and who Luke and others tell us was a teacher and baptizer of Jesus.

There is also a sense that John and Jesus -- or at least their followers -- were competitors as well, and the competition continued long after the death of each.

Over the next few weeks I will look to scripture, tales, and secular history to better understand this John and how his story may help us better understand Jesus.