The Preaching of John the Baptist

(Matt 3:1–12; Luke 3:1–18; John 1:19–28)

1 This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.a 2*It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said,

‘I will send my messenger ahead of you

to clear the way for you.’

3* Someone is shouting in the desert,

‘Get the road ready for the Lord;

make a straight path for him to travel!’ ”

4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching.b “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” 5Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the River Jordan.

6 *John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 7He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”