3 figures
Prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River, preparing the way for Jesus. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah about a voice crying in the wilderness.
The Messiah and Son of God.
Jesus comes to John to be baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry. His baptism is accompanied by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice of God affirming His Sonship.
Religious leaders and critics of John the Baptist.
The Pharisees and Sadducees come to John's baptism, and he rebukes them for their hypocrisy, calling them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance.