What were the strange events leading up to John the baptist's birth?

Answer 1

Firstly, the angel Gabriel appeared to John's father, Zacharias, to announce that his wife, Elisabeth, would bear a son although she was old and barren. Further, this child was to be 'great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.' Luke 1:15-17. Because Zacharias did not believe the words spoken by the angel, Gabriel predicted he would be unable to speak until these things came to pass. Consequently, Zacharias was dumb until after John's birth when he publically named the baby. During the pregnancy, Gabriel also appeared to Mary, Elisabeth's cousin, to announce that she would become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus. When Mary told her cousin this news, the babe in Elisabeth's womb leaped and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Answer 2

The strange events leading up to John the Baptist's birth include an angel appearing to his father, Zechariah, while he was serving in the temple, informing him that his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive despite her old age. Zechariah doubted the angel's message and was struck mute until the child was born.

Answer 3

John prophesied the coming of Christ and then baptised Him. He was beheaded because he rebuked Herod for his relationship with his brother's wife.