John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2Long ago Isaiah the prophet wrote,

“I will send my messenger ahead of you.

He will prepare your way.” (Malachi 3:1)

3 “A messenger is calling out in the desert,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord.

Make straight paths for him.’ ” (Isaiah 40:3)

4And so John came. He baptized people in the desert. He also preached that people should be baptized and turn away from their sins. Then God would forgive them. 5All the people from the countryside of Judea went out to him. All the people from Jerusalem went too. When they admitted they had sinned, John baptized them in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothes made out of camel’s hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.

7Here is what John was preaching. “After me, one will come who is more powerful than I am. I’m not good enough to bend down and untie his sandals. 8I baptize you with water. But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”