The Mission of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1–5; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:1–20; John 1:19–28)
1 UEB In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea saying, BSB BSB: In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2 UEB "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." BSB BSB: and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
3 UEB For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" BSB BSB: This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
4 UEB Now John wore clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. BSB BSB: John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5 UEB Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan River went out to him. BSB BSB: People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
6 UEB They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. BSB BSB: Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 UEB But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him for baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath that is coming? BSB BSB: But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 UEB Bear fruit worthy of repentance. BSB BSB: Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9 UEB Do not think of saying among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham even out of these stones. BSB BSB: And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10 UEB Already the ax has been placed against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. BSB BSB: The 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.
11 UEB I baptize you with water for repentance. But he who comes after me is mightier than I, and I am not worthy even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. BSB BSB: I baptize you with water 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 and with fire.
12 UEB His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and to gather his wheat into the storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out." BSB BSB: His 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)
13 UEB Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. BSB BSB: At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 UEB But John kept trying to stop him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" BSB BSB: But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
15 UEB Jesus responded and said to him, "Permit it now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John permitted him. BSB BSB: “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
17 UEB Behold, a voice came out of the heavens saying, "This is my beloved Son. I am very pleased with him." BSB BSB: And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”