Mateus 3

The Preaching of John the Baptist

1 Years later, John the Baptist started preaching in the desert of Judea. 2 *Mt 4.17;Mk 1.15.He said, "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven*3.2 kingdom of heaven: In the Gospel of Matthew "kingdom of heaven" is used with the same meaning as "God’s kingdom" in Mark and Luke. will soon be here."*3.2 will soon be here: Or "is already here."

3 *Is 40.3 (LXX).John was the one the prophet Isaiah was talking about, when he said,

"In the desert someone

is shouting,

‘Get the road ready

for the Lord!

Make a straight path

for him.’ "

4 *2 K 1.8.John wore clothes made of camel’s hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

5 From Jerusalem and all Judea and from the Jordan River Valley crowds of people went to John. 6 They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the river.