Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way.

3 A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

Prepare the way for the Lord;

make his paths straight!

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

7 He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”