1 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming:

2 »Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.«

3 Isaiah spoke of John when he said: »He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.« (Isaiah 40:3)

4 John wore clothes made from camels hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

5 People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.

6 They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.