The second episode in CNN's search for Christianity founder Jesus Christ focuses on "The Bones of John the Baptist" (the contemporary preacher who baptizes Jesus). The connection to relics is explored, but we mainly have another New Testament dramatization. The main point is the series' examination of, what they call, "a possible blood link between John and Jesus." Around the world, there are many bones purportedly to be "The Bones of John the Baptist." Some are fakes, obviously, since there are enough bones to make up more than one man. One set is carbon dated to be from the correct time period and belongs to a "middle-eastern man." The only other evidence is that the bones are claimed to be John's. Unfortunately, CNN provides no blood sample from Jesus, so it is impossible to prove the "link" proposed...
The science is disappointing, but the story is fascinating. John the Baptist is depicted as a handsome, mysterious and charismatic preacher who dressed strangely. Jesus was drawn to him. Other than that, the most covered part of the story is John's displeasure with Herod's sexual relationship with his (Herod's) sexy brother's wife. It is against Old Testament law. There are also some brief, graphic scenes showing the result of John's death. He was beheaded...
The reason for a possible blood link is that Jesus and John were cousins. The voice-over admits some vagueness, but here's the story. Jesus was born to Mary, a virgin. Before this, an Angel visits Mary and tells her about the blessed event. Most armchair Christians will be familiar with that; but, also, the Angel tells Mary that her cousin Elizabeth is also going to give birth, to John the Baptist. This would make John and Jesus "second cousins" or maybe "first cousins, once removed" (the series simply says "cousins"). Even more interesting is that Elizabeth is past child-bearing years. So, what we have is another divine birth. This should make John the Baptist even more important to Christianity than he is, presently. Apparently, John and Jesus had the same father, which could lead us to discover some very Holy DNA.
***** The Bones of John the Baptist (3/8/15) Hugh Ballantyne ~ Francesco Scianna, Corey Johnson, Adam Bond