4John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

5People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John.

6And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,3:7 Or coming to be baptized. he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?

8Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

9Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.

10Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

11“I baptize with3:11a Or in. water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.3:11b Or in the Holy Spirit and in fire.

12He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.3:15 Or for we must fulfill all righteousness.” So John agreed to baptize him.

16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened3:16 Some manuscripts read opened to him. and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.

17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”