John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Matthew 3:1-8
1In those days

John the Baptist came preaching

in the wilderness of Judea, 2and saying, “Repent, for

the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of theLord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

4Now

John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was

locusts and

wild honey. 5

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6

and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them,

“Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from

the wrath to come? 8Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

☗