The Bible tells us that John "leapt for joy” in his mother’s womb when news arrived that Mary was to give birth to Jesus. Thirty years later, living on the banks of the Jordan River, John attracted large crowds as he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. Audiences were fascinated by him. John dressed in camel hair with a leather belt and ate locusts and wild honey. But what really drew crowds was John’s exciting message: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!