The Mission of John the Baptist
(Isaiah 40:1–5; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:1–20; John 1:19–28)

1In those days John (YHWH is gracious) the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness (solitary place) of Judea (land of praise) 2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah (YHWH saves):

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness (solitary place),

‘Prepare the way for the Lord {Kyriou},

make straight paths for Him <Isa 40:3>.’”a

4John (YHWH is gracious) wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem (city of peace) and all Judea (land of praise) and the whole region around the Jordan (flowing down). 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized (submerged) by him in the Jordan (flowing down) River.

7But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism (submersion), he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you⁺ to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. 9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham (father of many) as our father {Patera}.’ For I tell you⁺ that out of these stones God {Theos} can raise up children for Abraham. 10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11I baptize (submerge) you⁺ with water (in water)b for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you⁺ with the Holy Spirit {Hagiō Pneumati} and with fire (in the Holy Spirit and in fire).c 12His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The Baptism of Jesus
(Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34)

13At that time Jesus (YHWH saves) came from Galilee (circuit) to the Jordan (flowing down) to be baptized (submerged) by John. 14But John (YHWH is gracious) tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized (submerged) by You, and do You come to me?”

15“Let it be so now,” Jesus (YHWH saves) replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.

16As soon as Jesus was baptized (submerged), He went up out of the water. Suddenly (Behold) the heavens were opened [the heavens were opened to Him],d and He saw (and he saw)e the Spirit {Pneuma} of God {Theou} descending like a dove and resting on Him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved {agapētos} Son, in whom I am well pleased!”