The Word Became Flesh
1The beginning of the
gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way"—
3"a voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' " 4And so John
came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism
of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The
whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went
out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him
in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of
camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he
ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message:
"After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs
of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit."
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth
in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As
Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being
torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And
a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love;
with you I am well pleased."
12At once the Spirit sent him out into
the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days,
being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and
angels attended him.
The Calling of the First Disciples
14After John was put in prison, Jesus went
into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
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