John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and had an instinctive spirit-led connection to Jesus. <ref>[[Lu 1:41]] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:</ref> <ref>[[Lu 1:44]] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.</ref> When they the religious rulers approached hi him to be baptized, he called them liars. <ref>[[Mt 3:7]] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?</ref> <ref>[[Lu 3:7]] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?</ref>