What Makes John the Baptist a Prophet (and what did it have to do with Jesus)?

How was John the Baptist a Prophet of Israel?

1) he baptized Jews with the baptism of conversion and renunciation of paganism

2) he was supposed to have been leading Temple worship in Jerusalem as High Priest, even as his dad was supposed to have done (the high priest's office was politically appointed in those days). His father was chosen by Lot to carry out the Priestly duties, which meant John was the heir. It was his responsibility to lead Israel in worship. Since he could not do it in Jerusalem, he did it in Exile at the river Jordan. The people flocked to him. He promised one greater than he would baptize them with the Spirit of God.

3} only a high priest could baptize another high priest into his office. He baptized Jesus into the  Melchizedek priesthood. Responding to John's protest with, "We must allow this to fulfill all righteousness." Melchi-zedek means, "King of Righteousness." Thus Jesus became our righteousness, and the distributor and leader of the kingdom of priests and …