1In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”*3:3 Isa 40:3 (Greek version).
4John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,*3:7 Or coming to be baptized. he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?
11“I baptize with*3:11a Or in. water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.*3:11b Or in the Holy Spirit and in fire.
13Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.
15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.*3:15 Or for we must fulfill all righteousness.” So John agreed to baptize him.
16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened*3:16 Some manuscripts read opened to him. and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.