John the Baptist
The historical Jesus is preceded by another infamous character, John the Baptist. He was praised for the work that he did and the message he proclaimed. Better yet, John was Jesus’ cousin. People heap glory and worship upon this man, however, never sought it. John the Baptist had one mission — that was to see himself decrease, and Jesus increase. Everything that John did had Jesus in mind, and he risked his whole life for the truth of Jesus. The greatest gifts often come at the highest cost.