# John the Baptist — The Imitation of Christ character guide

> John the Baptist in The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** John Baptist, John

**First appearance:** 0003-book-i-admonitions-profitable-for-the-spiritual-life

## Who they are

Prophet who prepared the way for Christ, mentioned as a model of virtue.

## Relationships

### [John Gersen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/john_gersen)

_social_

John Gersen and John the Baptist are connected through name association in historical or textual notes.

## In the story

### [Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned as a standard of holiness—even his purity would not merit receiving or ministering the Sacrament.

### [Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii)

Cited as the blessed forerunner who leapt for joy in the womb and humbly acknowledged Christ.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/john_the_baptist
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters