Mark 1:1-8

Here is the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Just as the prophet Isaiah wrote, “I'm sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way. A voice is calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the Lord's way! Make his paths straight.’” John came, baptizing in the desert, announcing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Everybody from the country of Judea and from Jerusalem went to him. They admitted their sins publicly and were baptized in the Jordan River. John wore clothes made of camel hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. This is what he had to say: “After me someone is coming who is greater than I am. I'm not worthy to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptized you in water but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”