Matthew 3

John the Baptist

1In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.” 3This is the one spoken of through Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’” 4John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him. 6They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

7When John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit worthy of repentance. 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ because I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one coming after me is stronger than I am. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand. He will thoroughly clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Jesus Is Baptized

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?” 15Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, because in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him. 16After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. And look—the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. 17And look—a voice from the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”