1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
2saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.”
3For this is he who was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, who said: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
4Now John himself had clothing made of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him,
6and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.
9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
10Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
11I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I am—I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.
14But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me?”
15But Jesus answered him, “Permit it for now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted him.
16And after Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. And behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.
17And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
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