1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.1 1:1 Some manuscripts do not have the Son of God. |
2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"2 1:2 Mal. 3:1 --
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3 "a voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "3 1:3 Isaiah 40:3 |
4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. |
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, and he ate locusts and wild honey. |
7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. |
8 I baptize you with4 1:8 Or in water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." |
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. |
10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. |
11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." |
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, |
13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. |