Matthew 3

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.”

3For this is the one spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”

4John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair and 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,

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

7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for 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 presume to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

10And already the axe is laid at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but the one coming after me is stronger than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He himself will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.

12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.

13Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him.

14But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15But Jesus answered him, “Permit it for now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted him.

16And when Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. And behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.

17And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”