Final answer:
John the Baptist is the figure in Matthew 3 who heralds the coming of Jesus and baptizes Him, a scene represented by various symbols in religious art.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Matthew 3, the figure who heralds the coming of Jesus is John the Baptist. This event, called the Baptism of Christ, is a pivotal moment where Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. Supplementary to this, the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are the authors of the Gospels in the Christian New Testament, each represented by their own symbols in religious iconography. Matthew is often depicted with a winged man, Mark with a lion, Luke with an ox, and John with an eagle. These symbols, collectively known as the Evangelical Beasts, frequently appear in religious art depicting biblical scenes. Specifically, John the Baptist is a key figure in Christianity, recognized for his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the messiah or savior according to Christian theology.