1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophets, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, Who will prepare your way before you.
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, `Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.`"
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
5 There went out to him all the country of Judea, and all those of Jerusalem. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.
6 John was clothed with camel`s hair and a leather belt around his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.
