What role did John the Baptist play in relation to Jesus?

John the Baptist served as Jesus' cousin and forerunner, which means he played a significant role in preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. According to the New Testament, John preached about repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River, including Jesus himself. This act of baptism signified the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and underscored John's role as a herald or precursor to Jesus, announcing His arrival and emphasizing the importance of repentance and spiritual readiness.

In the context of the other options, the role of betrayer does not align with John the Baptist’s significance; he was actually an advocate for Jesus. The mention of building the Ark refers to Noah, not John the Baptist, merging distinct biblical narratives incorrectly. Leading the Israelites into the Promised Land pertains to Joshua, another separate biblical figure. This highlights John the Baptist's unique position in Christian theology, where he is recognized for his mission of preparation and proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.