The Mission of John the Baptist
(Isaiah 40:1–5; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:1–20; John 1:19–28)

1Now in those days John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness† of Judea 2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” 3For this is the one having been spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

“A voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

make straight His paths.’”†

4And John himself had his clothing of camel’s hair and a belt of leather around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5At that time they were going out to him—Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan. 6And they were being baptized in the Jordan River† by him, confessing their sins.

7But having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers, who warned you⁺ to flee from the coming wrath? 8Therefore produce fruit† worthy of repentance. 9And do not think to say in yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you⁺ that out of these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10And already the ax is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into fire.

11I indeed baptize you⁺ in water† unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not sufficient to carry the sandals. He will baptize you⁺ in the Holy Spirit and fire,† 12whose winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor and will gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The Baptism of Jesus
(Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34)

13Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. 14But John was preventing Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and You come to me?”

15But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit it presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

16And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened,† and He saw† the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him. 17And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

Footnotes:

1 Or desert
3 Isaiah 40:3 (see also LXX)
6 BYZ and TR in the Jordan
8 TR fruits
11 Or with water
11 Or with the Holy Spirit and fire; BYZ does not include and fire.
16 NA, BYZ, and TR the heavens were opened to Him
16 Or and he saw; see John 1:32–33.