The answer is: John

Luke 1:36 - John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, by six months.

So, Jesus had a cousin named John, but not just any cousin; he was John the Baptist, the guy with a wardrobe made of camel's hair and quite the unfussy diet—locusts and wild honey! Imagine going to a potluck and bringing that dish!

John played a super important role as a forerunner. His mission was to prepare people's hearts for Jesus’ coming, kind of like bringing them backstage for the big performance. In fact, their two births are practically intertwined. Angel Gabriel’s announcement of John’s birth—the only biblical figure said to have had angelic news about his arrival—is pretty sweet. Luke 1:36 tells us how Elizabeth, John's mom, was well beyond childbearing age, but guess what? Nothing is impossible with divine intervention!

Also, it’s fun to think about how they were linked in the womb. When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth, joy ignited in John's little baby body, leaping for joy at the proximity of Jesus. This moment signifies an early recognition of Jesus’ role—talk about striking up a fascinating family relationship!

Moreover, John’s baptism set the stage for Jesus’ ministry. It's fascinating that in various cultures, water symbolizes cleansing and rebirth, illustrating how John's act of baptism is connected more broadly to divine themes. You could say they both reflected and enacted hope in a world that desperately needed it. Uniting their stories is not just about family ties but also a deeper narrative of growth and transformation.