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

1In those days comes John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand.

3This is the one, who is spoken of by Isaiah the prophet saying, The voice of one roaring in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths.

4And the same John had his raiment from camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region about the Jordan, were coming out to him, 6and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them; O generations of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance; 9and think not to say among yourselves; We have Abraham, our father; for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10But already the ax is laid to the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.

11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but there is One coming after me more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire. 12Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purify His threshing-floor, and gather His wheat into the garner, and will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

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

13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, in order to be baptized by him. 14And John continued to forbid Him saying, I have need to be baptized by thee, and comest thou unto me? 15And Jesus responding said to him; Suffer it now; for thus it is becoming us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffers Him. 16And Jesus having been baptized, came up straightway from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove, coming on Him. 17And behold, a voice from the heavens, saying; This is my beloved Son in whom I delight.