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

1At that time appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2and saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh."

3for it is of John the prophet Esaias spoke, when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths clear."

4now John wore a coat made of camels hair, with a leathern girdle about his waist; and his food was locusts and wild hony. 5Then the inhabitants of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and the whole country about Jordan, came to him: 6and having confess'd their sins, they were baptized by him in Jordan.

7but when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism, he said to them, "Ye brood of vipers, who has warned you to fly from the wrath to come? 8Let your actions then show your repentance: 9and don't pretend to say within your selves, We have Abraham for our father: for I tell you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham: 10the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then which does not produce good fruit, will be hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11I indeed baptize you with water to lead you to repentance; but he that cometh after me, is my superiour, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the effusion of the holy Ghost, in the appearance of fire: 12and with the fan in his hand, he will throughly cleanse his floor, and gather the wheat into his grainery, but the chaff will he burn with unquenchable fire."

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

13Then went Jesus from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized by John. 14but John opposed him, I have need, said he, to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? 15and Jesus answer'd, Let it be so for the present, for it becometh us to do whatever is right, then John consented. 16and when Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water: and immediately the heavens seem'd to be parted asunder before him, and he saw the Spirit 17of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: at the same time a voice was heard from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."