Matthew 3
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea:
2 “Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
3 For this is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
4 John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan went out to him,
6 and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them: “You brood of vipers, who showed you how to flee from the coming wrath?
8 So produce fruit worthy of repentance.
9 And do not think of saying among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
10 The ax is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit is 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, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
12 His winnowing fork is in his hand; he will thoroughly clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but he will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him.
14 But John tried to stop him, saying: “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”
15 Jesus answered him: “Let it be so for now, because in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 After being baptized, Jesus came up from the water at once; and the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.
17 And a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased.”
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