John the Baptist’s preaching in the wilderness. He baptizes Christ in the Jordan.

1 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. 2 And he said, Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has drawn near. 3 Indeed, this is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, who says: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.’” (Isa. 40:3). 4 And John himself wore a garment of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 At that time all the people were going out to him from Jerusalem, from all Judea, and from all the regions of the Jordan, 6 And they were being baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when John saw that many Sadducees and Pharisees had come to the baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who told you that in this way you can escape the coming wrath of the Lord?” 8 Therefore, produce fruits worthy of repentance. 9 And do not try to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that God is able even from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 For the axe is already laid at the root of the trees. So every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean his threshing floor, gather the wheat into the barn, but burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. 13 At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him. 14 “But John tried to stop Him and said, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Allow it now, for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then he allowed Jesus. 16 After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. and now, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. 17 A voice was heard from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”