1Now in those days John the Baptizer began preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has come near!”

3For this is he who was referred to by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “A voice crying-out, ‘Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.’ ” ²⁶

4Now John actually used clothes made from camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; while his food was locusts and wild honey.

5Then Jerusalem, all Judea and all the region of the Jordan went out to him,

6and were being baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

A bunch of snakes

7But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: “Brood of vipers! Who tipped you off to flee from the coming wrath?

8Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance,

9and don't even think to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father,’ ²⁷for I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

10Indeed, already the ax is being laid to the root of the trees. ²⁸So every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11“I baptize you with water unto repentance, but the One coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit. ²⁹

12His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” ³⁰

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

14But John tried to dissuade Him saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and You are coming to me?” ³¹

15But in answer Jesus said to him, “Permit it now, because thus it is appropriate to us to fulfill all righteousness.” ³²Then he permitted Him.

16And having been baptized Jesus came up directly from the water, when wow, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and alighting upon Him. ³³

17And wow, a Voice from the heavens saying, “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am always well pleased!” ³⁴