₄So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” ₅Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the River Jordan.

₆John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. ₇He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. ₈I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

₉Not long afterwards Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ₁₀As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. ₁₁And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”