1 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!"

3 He was the one the prophet Isaiah was referring to when he said, "He is a voice calling out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way for the Lord!Make his paths straight!’"

4 John had clothing made of camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey.

5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region along the Jordan began flocking to him,

6 being baptized by him in the Jordan River while they confessed their sins.