The answer is: John

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

Let’s dive into the unique bond between Jesus and his cousin John, also known as John the Baptist. This dynamic duo has quite the narrative in the Bible! John's arrival six months before Jesus was significant in that he was destined to prepare the way for the Messiah. Think of him as the opening act before the main event of Jesus’ ministry, calling people to repent and pave the way for Jesus' teaching.

Interestingly, both John and Jesus' births were distinct and miraculous in their own rights. John's mother, Elizabeth—well past the childbearing age—found herself pregnant, thanks to a divine encounter involving the angel Gabriel. It was a joyous twist showing that nothing is impossible for God!

Here’s a fun trivia nugget: John lived a rather ascetic lifestyle, roving in the wilderness, dressed in camel's hair, and munching on locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). It’s almost like he was the original prepper—a fresh-to-death survivalist!

John’s famous phrase, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), emphasizes the humility he demonstrated, recognizing his purpose in pointing others toward the true light, which we know to be Jesus. Their connection is one that strikes at the collaborative over the competitive, embodying a profound theme of selfless service in familial relationships, encouraging us even today to uplift and support each other’s journeys.