The Ministry of John the Baptist

1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“ Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way,

3  the voice of one shouting in the wilderness,

‘ Prepare the way for the Lord,

make his paths straight.’ ”

4  In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5  People from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem were going out to him, and he was baptizing them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 6  John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7  He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8  I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”