The answer is: Six months

Luke 1:26 - The angel appeared to Mary in the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy

John the Baptist and Jesus are often intertwined figures in Christian narratives, and knowing their age difference adds an interesting layer to their story. The detail that John was six months older than Jesus showcases the unique purpose each had in their ministries. John burst onto the scene like a fiery comet—a voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus, emphasizing the vital role he played in spiritual awakening and repentance.

Mary's visit to Elizabeth is pivotal; it highlights the joy and significance of their conception. When Mary enters the home, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps—signifying an uncanny connection even in their prenatal lives. Some traditions regard that leap as a recognition of the future greatness of Jesus by John, symbolizing the convergence of their missions that would unfold as they grew.

Fun fact: The location where John baptized—many believe it's near the banks of the Jordan River—held traditional significance in Jewish culture as a place of purification. Baptism, as an act of repentance, resonates not just as a Christian observance but as ancient practices mirrored in both Jewish and pagan rituals found in sacred spaces throughout history.

Both figures serve as echoes of divine purpose, where John's role as the forerunner contrasted Jesus’ role as the savior, painting a grand divine narrative where timing and legacy intertwined. Their story reminds us of the sacred bonds that link them—and by extension, all of humanity.