1 I n those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 a nd saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

3 F or this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the L ord; Make His paths straight.’”

4 N ow John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 T hen Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him

6 a nd were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 B ut when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 T herefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

9 a nd do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

10 A nd even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

12 H is winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” John Baptizes Jesus

13 T hen Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

14 A nd John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 B ut Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

16 W hen He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.

17 A nd suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”