John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1:2–8pp—Mt 3:1–11; Lk 3:2–16

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,a the Son of God,b a 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”c b—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’ ”d c

4 And so John the Baptistd appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentancee for the forgiveness of sins.f 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist,g and he ate locustsh and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.i 8 I baptize you withe water, but he will baptize you withf the Holy Spirit.”j

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

1:9–11pp—Mt 3:13–17; Lk 3:21,22
1:12,13pp—Mt 4:1–11; Lk 4:1–13

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazarethk in Galilee and was baptized by Johnl in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.m 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,n whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”o