The Mission of John the Baptist

(Isaiah 40:1–5, Matthew 3:1–17, Luke 3:1–22, John 1:19–34)

1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[fn] 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:[fn]

“Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way.”[fn]

3 “A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for Him.’ ”[fn]

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

6 John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water,[fn] but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.[fn]”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw [fn] the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”